Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the most frequently asked questions for each department. If you still can't find the information you need, send a message from our contact page and we'll get back to you shortly.
Exhibitors: Please follow this link to the conferences page.
If you know the department most likely to answer your question, check under these headings:
Some of our online publications are in PDF (portable document file) format, and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print. If you don't have it, or have a question about the PDF format, please follow this link to our PDF Help Page.
Member Services
Moved? Please send Member Services an email with your new address, telephone, fax and email.
Conference/Professional Development
Publications
Government Relations
General Questions
Answers
Member Services
How do I join IAFC?
Follow this link to join the IAFC.
What do I pay for as an IAFC member?
Your annual dues cover membership in both IAFC national membership and a membership in one of IAFC's eight regional divisions. In order to be considered a member in good standing, you must pay dues for both memberships. Section memberships are optional.
What is a departmental membership?
If you are in a department that serves a jurisdiction with a population of 10,000 or less, than your department qualifies for departmental membership. This membership allows all members of your department to access IAFC benefits. All other memberships are individual memberships.
How do I change the name on our membership?
IAFC membership is held by the individual, however, if there is a new chief and your department historically pays for the membership dues, we will be happy to transfer the remaining amount on the old membership to a new record created for the new chief.
Is there a reduced rate for retired members?
IAFC affords life membership for IAFC members who have had 10 (Ten) consecutive years of membership and are retired from the fire and emergency services. There is no annual cost for members who qualify for this option unless the member wishes to continue to receive IAFC On Scene. Life membership annual subscription to IAFC On Scene is U.S. $30/year. If you believe you qualify for life membership, please contact Member Services.
What are sections and how do I join one?
IAFC has eight special interest sections. These sections are optional and you can renew or discontinue them at any time. IAFC currently has the following IAFC Sections:
How do I purchase IAFC merchandise?
Visit the Fire Chief Store for IAFC’s exciting new line of logo merchandise to demonstrate pride in your professional association, to recognize a colleague, or to find the perfect present for your chief. If you have any suggestions for merchandise you would like to see IAFC offer, please let us know by emailing membership@iafc.org.
Conference/Professional Development
Whom should I speak to regarding your conference?
If you would like information regarding attending an IAFC conference such as Fire-Rescue International, Fire-Rescue Med or International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference, please go to the conferences and events page of our web site. If you would like information on exhibiting, please contact the Exhibits Manager.
How do I get information on a specific class being offered?
If you are looking for specific information regarding a class being offered by the IAFC, please contact our Meeting Planner, or go to our conferences and events page for more information.
Am I registered for your conference?
To confirm your registration for Fire-Rescue International, please contact the official IAFC Housing and Registration vendor, J. Spargo, at 800-934-1957 (U.S. and Canada) 703-449-6418 (Outside of U.S. or Canada).
How do I receive information about your conference?
To get information regarding any of the IAFC premier conferences or expositions, contact the Professional Development Assistant or go to the conferences and events page.
What is my booth number?
With the increasing number of industry trade shows, it is not uncommon for exhibitors to lose track of their booth number. Contact the IAFC Exhibits Manager.
Is the show sold out?
The IAFC exhibits staff begins to sell floor space at the previous year's show. Because of overwhelming demand, nearly 95% of the show floor is sold out at this time. Fire–Rescue International sells out extremely fast, so it is best to reserve space as early as possible. To determine if there are still booths available, please contact the Exhibits Manager.
How do I speak at a conference?
Please visit the speakers section of our conferences pages. When the call for presentations is open for a conference, it will be posted on that conference’s page.
Publications
How can I order a publication?
You can order one of three ways–
Phone: 703-273-9815, ext. 345
Email: sjarboe@iafc.org
Fax: 703-273-9363
How do I order the CPAT?
You can call 703-273-9815, ext. 328 to request an order form. The completed form may then be faxed to 703/273-9363. For more information go to the publications page.
What methods of payment are available?
Payment may be made using a check or credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA).
Does IAFC accept purchase orders?
Yes.
What are the prices of publications? Is shipping included in the price?
Prices of publications vary and are higher for non-members. Shipping costs may or may not be included in the purchase price. Packages sent to international destinations (including Canada) are more expensive to ship than packages sent to U.S. destinations.
How long does it take for the shipment to arrive?
Once IAFC receives your order, it takes 2-3 weeks for your shipment to arrive.
To see details of available publications and ordering information, please go to our publications page.
Government Relations
How can my fire department obtain federal funding?
There are some federal funds available for specific purposes. The best source of information is the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). USFA has updated their Guide to Funding Alternatives for Fire and EMS Departments. It can be downloaded from their website, www.usfa.fema.gov, or you can obtain a printed copy by calling the USFA Ordering Line at 301/447-1189.
You should also check with your state government to see if there are grant programs available there.
How must my department comply with the 2-in/2-out regulation?
If you are operating in a state which has an OSHA-approved 'state plan', check with your state labor relations office. If you are not from a state which has an OSHA-approved 'state-plan', you are under federal OSHA. While federal OSHA has an exemption for municipal fire departments, IAFC urges compliance with 2-in/2-out for fire fighter safety reasons.
How do I obtain a radio license?
For radio licensing information, contact:
Fire/EMS Radio Service
200 Metro Center Boulevard
Suite 6
Warwick, RI 02886
Tel: 401-738-2220
fireems@freqcoor.org
How do I get money for counterterrorism training and equipment?
Counterterrorism training is provided directly by state and federal agencies. Contact your state fire training academy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support at 202/305-9887.
Funding for equipment purchases has been provided by Congress and will be made available through the states in accordance with a state-wide plan that must address the needs of local response agencies, including fire departments. Click here to identify your state point of contact or contact the IAFC.
How can I get a copy of a bill?
Pending legislation, Public-Laws, and associated information can be obtained via the internet at http://thomas.loc.gov/.
How can I get a copy of an OSHA regulation?
OSHA documents can be requested via telephone at 202/693-1888 or fax at 202/693-2498 at OSHA's publications office. You can also search OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov.
How can I access the Federal Register?
Items such as proposed rules published in the Federal Register can be searched via the internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html.
How can I get a copy of an EPA standard?
Information on environmental protection can be obtained through the EPA at www.epa.gov. Through this site, you can also access EPA's Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO) at www.epa.gov/swercepp. Here you will be able to find laws, regulations, as well as information on risk management plans (RMPs).
General Questions
What is the Fire Fighter's Prayer?
Fire Fighter's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late,
or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout,
and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
to guard my neighbor and protect his property.
And if according to your will I have to lose my life,
bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife.
What is the Fire Chief's Code of Ethics?
Fire Chief's Code of Ethics
Developed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs
- Recognize that we serve in a position of public trust that imposes responsibility to use publicly owned resources effectively and judiciously.
- Not use a public position to obtain advantages or favors for friends, family, personal business ventures or ourselves.
- Use information gained from our positions only for the benefit of those we are entrusted to serve.
- Conduct our personal affairs in such a manner that we cannot be improperly influenced in the performance of our duties.
- Avoid situations whereby our decisions or influence may have an impact on personal financial interests.
- Seek no favor and accept no form of personal reward for influence or official action.
- Engage in no outside employment or professional activities that may impair or appear to impair our primary responsibilities as fire officials.
- Comply with local laws and campaign rules when supporting political candidates and engaging in political activities.
- Handle all personnel matters on the basis of merit.
- Carry out policies established by elected officials and policy makers to the best of our ability.
- Refrain from financial investments or business that conflicts with or is enhanced by our official position.
- Refrain from endorsing commercial products through quotations, use of photographs or testimonials, for personal gain.
- Develop job descriptions and guidelines at the local level to produce behaviors in accordance with the code of ethics.
- Conduct training at the local level to inform and educate local personnel about ethical conduct and policies and procedures.
- Have systems in place at the local level to resolve ethical issues.
- Orient new employees to the organization's ethics program during new employee orientation.
- Review the ethics management program in management training experiences.
- Deliver accurate and timely information to the public and to elected policymakers to use when deciding critical issues.
How do I find your location? I need a map!
Follow this link to our map page. There will be two graphics: one to show an overview of main highways in the MD/DC/VA area, and another to show local streets. Driving directions from various locations are also given.
I need to contact a staff member.
Go to our staff contact page.
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