State Farm Awards ICT $40,000 Grant to Promote Education Programs in Texas
State Farm Insurance has awarded the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) with a $40,000 grant to promote and develop education programs throughout the state.
ICT will use the grant to grow its multiple public service and educational campaigns to inform Texans about various anti-theft and home safety initiatives.
“We now have the opportunity to reach more Texans with our campaigns,” said Rich Johnson, director of communications and public affairs for ICT. “We can continue our ‘Hide, Lock and Take’ anti-theft and ‘We’re Out to Alarm Texas’ fire safety campaigns, hurricane preparedness educations and promoting best practices for resilient home improvement and construction methods throughout the year.”
ICT distributes thousands of Hide, Lock, and Take signs every year to communities across the state, partnering with local police departments and commercial property owners to place the highly visible and effective reminders in parking lots, shopping centers, apartment complexes and other areas. The program urges motorists to Hide your possessions, Lock your vehicle, and Take your keys.
ICT’s “We’re Out to Alarm Texas” program was created to help prevent the loss of life and property by providing smoke alarms to Texans through their local fire department. The campaign began in 2005 and has grown to include more than 25,000 smoke alarms donated to over 50 Texas fire departments.
“ICT’s efforts to lower the incidence of auto theft and burglary, provide smoke alarms to fire departments across the state, and to educate Texans on the importance of being prepared for various catastrophes are right in line with the State Farm ‘Good Neighbor’ philosophy,” said Felicia Hutchins, Corporate Responsibility Analyst at State Farm. “We are pleased and excited to support these efforts with this grant and look forward to continuing to work together.”
Additionally, the grant will help fund new resiliency education programs ICT will develop alongside State Farm. The efforts will focus on bringing the insurance industry together with the public sector, state and local government, technology companies together to ideate new ways to build resiliently before and after natural disasters.
“Working with ICT is a way to collaborate and educate the public and policy makers to build more resilient communities. It’s better for everyone if we can work together to find new ways to manage natural disasters and severe weather,” said, Hutchins. “Advocating for resilient and sustainable building helps not just our customers, but entire communities.”
Throughout the year, ICT is the voice of the Texas property and casualty insurance industry, speaking about the importance of understanding various policy coverages and encouraging preparedness and resiliency regarding the numerous perils Texans face, such as hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and hail.
Source: ICT