EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mary Werderitch, IFSA Executive Director

From the May 2008 newsletter... Mary Werderitch
When you thought things couldn’t get any busier, they do. I’m sure there are many of you out there that have experienced this feeling. This is a good one for me personally. Our organization just keeps growing.

Vision 20/20

On February 13th I was invited to attend the Vision 20/20 web forum. Vision 20/20 is a nationwide effort to create a Strategic Fire Prevention Agenda. Twenty-six people were invited to attend this forum from all over the State of Illinois. We were to come up with a list of three priorities for the Vision 20/20 Summit to be held in Washington D. C. on March 31st. George Michehl with the Illinois Fire Inspectors will be the Illinois representative.

These are the three priorities that Illinois suggested:

  • Mandate residential sprinklers in all newly constructed or reconstructed homes.
  • Require minimum state fire codes and minimum training standards for fire prevention personnel.
  • Create a cultural change in the fire service by requiring public fire education as part of a firefighter’s job description.

Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Programs

The administration of these programs was accepted by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance as of January 1, 2008. On March 5th we held a strategic planning meeting. In attendance were of all the agencies that would be important to this program’s success. We can now begin to chart our next steps beginning with an Advisory Board and Task Force. Please see further information on this vital program in this newsletter.

Neighbor to Neighbor Showcase 2008 – September 19th and 20th, 2008 in Springfield

Don’t miss this opportunity to network with your peers! What educational conference can you go to with a $15 registration fee and come back to your community with outlines for best practices in prevention education going on in Illinois? We’ve chosen the Route 55 Hotel in Springfield which has a very nice atmosphere and the cost is very affordable.

Your meals will be included. If you have a program you would like to exhibit, just let us know. If you are a not-for profit, there is no fee to exhibit.

2008 Fire Prevention Week Luncheon

A public educator recently made the following statement about the Fire Prevention Week Luncheon:

“This gathering is probably the most impressive gathering of fire service professionals who believe that fire prevention is an answer and is an integral part of the fire protection system of our state and community. The problem is that it is attended by fire service people. We are ‘singing to the choir.’ We should fill the building with all of the non-believers (or at least those that don’t know). Our impressive show may well motivate others to believe.”

So this year’s slogan should be to bring a friend. So bring your Mayor, Trustees, and anyone else in your community that works on your budget for prevention!