Fairfax, Va. – American International Group, Inc. (AIG) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have announced that AIG member companies will provide funding for a grant program that provides local fire departments with resources to implement the Ready, Set, Go! Program (RSG). The program, designed by the IAFC, promotes educational awareness and preparedness community outreach to those who live in high-risk wildland fire areas. Through the trusted voice of local fire and emergency service agencies, the community learns how to best prepare while improving the safety for all involved if faced with a wildland fire event.
“Thanks to our partner AIG, the RSG! program will continue to help local fire departments connect with the communities they serve with important, customized wildland fire safety information," said Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, IAFC president and chair of the board.
“We are pleased to contribute to the continued success of the Ready, Set, Go! Program,” said Deserie Thigpen, assistant vice president of loss prevention at AIG. “This year marks the 10-year anniversary of AIG’s Wildfire Protection Unit (WPU), which was created to educate clients of AIG Private Client Group on preventive mitigation that can be performed before a wildfire happens. AIG’s WPU and the Ready, Set, Go! Program share the common goals of proactive loss prevention and emergency preparedness.”
The funding provided by AIG will enhance community outreach efforts for several RSG members through tools, resources and guidance necessary to deliver RSG’s simple, actionable preparedness and safety messages. The grants are administered by the IAFC according to an established set of criteria. Requests are made through a formal, peer-reviewed process to ensure effective use. The RSG! Program works in complementary and collaborative fashion with other wildland fire public education programs to amplify the main message of community wildfire readiness.
RSG was developed by the IAFC with support from the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Fire Administration, the U.S. Department of the Interior and other FAC Coalition partners. To learn more information about the RSG! Program or submit a RSG Outreach Grant application visit www.wildlandfireRSG.org.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
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