Communicating with non-English speakers presents a challenge to first responders, whether it's an emergency situation or not. In conjunction with National Hispanic Month (which begins September 15), the Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Program and Austin (Texas) Fire Department is releasing the IAFC's first Spanish-language toolkit.
This is the latest resource in support of the Fire-Adapted Communities effort, a common goal we all share of making our communities safer from the threat of wildland fire.
Through feedback from RSG membership, the need for a dedicated toolkit designed to address the Spanish-speaking community was identified. The toolkit will be distributed to support efforts in spreading the wildland-fire preparedness message to this audience. The toolkit includes:
- Media advisory template
- Outreach template
- National Action Guide (copies available upon request)
- Postcard
- PowerPoint template
- Presentation feedback form for audiences
"It is our goal to engage all members of our community to be active players in the wildland fire solution. The Spanish-language community in Austin has been well receptive to doing their part to be prepared as possible for a wildland-fire threat. It's our hope that the message, through the RSG Program, will be well received in other parts of the country as well," said IAFC First Vice President Rhoda Mae Kerr, chief of the Austin (Texas) Fire Department.
The nationwide release was made possible with the dedication and expertise of the Austin, San Diego and Santa Fe Fire Departments and the Florida Forest Service. The dedication and feedback from these partners has shaped a robust kit of materials. The RSG Program staff sincerely appreciates their help in making this effort a reality.
If you're not already a member, join the RSG Program at no cost today.