Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the Department of Homeland Security is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2014 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Fire Prevention and Safety grants. Over the past several years, organizations in Western New York have been awarded several hundred thousand dollars through this grant program.
"Fire prevention and awareness are necessary for the safety and well-being of our communities and loved ones," said Congressman Higgins. "I encourage local organizations to take advantage of and apply for these federal resources to aid them in protecting the residents they serve."
Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants were established to help fire departments and other local organizations address fire prevention and safety issues with the goal of reaching high-risk groups, including children and seniors. Fire prevention initiatives supported by FP&S include smoke alarm installation, fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile fire-setter interventions and arson prevention and awareness programs.
All applications for FP&S grants must be received by 5pm on April 17, 2015. Applicants can apply for up to three separate projects in one application. Those interested in applying may use the online application portal at https://www.fema.gov/fire-prevention-safety-grants. Applicants with questions regarding the grants can contact the FP&S help desk at 1-866-274-0960 from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, or via email at FireGrants@dhs.gov. Resources and additional information for applicants are available on FEMA's website.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 1.1 million firefighters in the United States, 69% of which are volunteer.