A key to any public education program is making sure that the message actually is delivered to the people of the community. While the Palatine Fire Department uses a number of strategies to accomplish this goal, one very important aspect is to utilize the local media. Through press releases, media advisories, interviews, and so on, our Public Information Officers can pass on news of incidents, give precautionary measures citizens need to take in a major emergency, advise of seasonal or special hazards, and distribute general safety messages (such as our "Keep the Wreath Red" or "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaigns). Several of our fire officers have attended courses to become qualified as Public Information Officers; these classes give them the skills needed to professionally interface with members of the print, electronic and Internet media.