MGME’s Shawn Potillo on Fire Safety and Prevention

October is Fire Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety at home, at work, and at events. For Shawn Potillo, MGME’s Director of Creative Services and the Mayor of Roxbury Township, New Jersey, fire prevention isn’t just a professional priority — it’s a deeply personal mission.

With experience that bridges community leadership and live event production, Shawn shares his perspective on how proactive fire safety saves lives and why preparedness should never be an afterthought.

Why is fire prevention such an important topic for you personally and professionally?

Fire prevention has always been close to my heart. As a child, my family experienced a house fire that uprooted us from our home and changed our lives in an instant. Seeing how quickly a fire can escalate — and how selflessly first responders and volunteers stepped in to help us — left a lasting impression. They are true heroes in every community.

How has your role as mayor influenced your perspective on fire safety and preparedness?

As a community leader, safety is always a top priority. Our first responders, volunteers, and frontline workers are the backbone of public safety. I see how they run toward danger when others are running away, and that motivates me to advocate for awareness, resources, and education to keep our residents protected.

What are some of the most common fire safety oversights you see in homes or workplaces?

The simplest — and most common — oversight is neglecting smoke and fire detectors or fire extinguishers. These are tools we see every day, yet they’re easy to forget about until it’s too late. Regularly testing detectors and checking expiration dates on extinguishers can make a huge difference.

What steps can families take this month to make their homes safer?

Start with the basics: check your smoke detectors and extinguishers. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to use them and where they’re located. These small, proactive steps can prevent tragedy.

How does MGME prioritize fire prevention and safety when planning live events?

Fire safety is built into our event planning from the start. When designing an environment for a client, we consider every element — from equipment placement and emergency egress routes to crowd flow and venue capacity. Our team often collaborates with local fire marshals to ensure that every layout meets safety standards and that all exits and fire systems are easily accessible.

How do your two roles — mayor and event director — influence each other when it comes to safety?

They complement each other perfectly. As mayor, I oversee safety planning for an entire township. As MGME’s Director of Creative Services, I apply that same leadership mindset to every event we produce. Whether it’s a town festival or a large-scale corporate conference, safety planning is always at the forefront.

What message do you want people to take away during Fire Prevention Month — especially in professional environments?

Safety should never be an afterthought. It should be an intentional part of every design and decision. Everyone — from the venue team to the client and attendees — has a role in maintaining awareness. Fire exits, extinguishers, and egress paths should always be clearly marked, visible, and accessible.

Any final thoughts on how individuals and organizations can share responsibility for fire safety?

Have a plan. Use common sense. Understand the risks. At home, teach your children how to use a fire extinguisher — what seems obvious to an adult might not be intuitive to them.
In your community, create a buddy system so everyone is accounted for in an emergency.
And at events, make sure every crew member understands the safety plan from start to finish. Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and preparation is the key to prevention.

About MGME

At MGME, safety and preparedness are core to every event experience we create. As we honor Fire Prevention Month, we’re proud to highlight the individuals — like Shawn — who bring leadership, empathy, and foresight to every space we design.