Emergency Management Grants

Release date: 17-August-2010

SAFER Grant Application Period Now Open
Funding available for retention and recruitment initiatives

The application period for the FY 2010 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program (SAFER) is now open. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released grant guidance and application materials at www.firegrantsupport.com. Applications are due by Friday, September 17, 2010 at 5 p.m. EDT.

SAFER grants provide funding directly to fire departments and statewide or local volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to increase the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities. SAFER grants have been used in a variety of innovative ways to help volunteer departments with their retention and recruitment programs. Click here for information about retention and recruitment projects SAFER has funded. Grants can also be used for the hiring of career firefighters.

It is important to read the SAFER Program Guidance thoroughly before applying. Find the Program Guidance, applicant tutorial, grant application, and more on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant web site at www.firegrantsupport.com/safer.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has also released resources to help you apply for a SAFER grant. Visit www.nvfc.org/afg to access these resources.

FYI ONLY - currently being piloted in Alabama, Mississippi & Tennessee
NVFC, ICC Partner on Rural Area Fire Prevention Program

Release date: 26-April-2010

The International Code Council (ICC) has received a $133,000 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the Department of Homeland Security to implement a collaborative program with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) designed to reduce rural community fire hazards and other potential dangers in residential homes. The grant will fund a coordinated public education outreach effort between building code officials and the volunteer fire community aimed at higher risk rural communities.

Through the “Sound the Alarm” program, volunteer teams of fire service members and building officials will visit homes to replace outdated or inoperable smoke alarms and educate the occupants about the importance of proper smoke alarm installation, testing, and maintenance. The teams also will conduct home safety inspections focused on building, fire, and property maintenance code requirements, and inform residents about the associated building fire codes that work to increase home safety.

Sound the Alarm will be piloted in specific rural communities in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Members of ICC state chapters will work with local Fire Corps teams to implement the home visits. Fire Corps is a program administered by the NVFC that enables community members to volunteer with their local fire department to perform non-emergency tasks, such as fire prevention education and home safety checks. First Alert will provide dual smoke alarms with 10-year batteries to be installed in the homes. A corresponding web site and toolkit will also be developed to assist the volunteer teams

For more information: http://www.nvfc.org/page/626/show_item/1152/News.htm

Maine State Agency for Surplus Property
85 Leighton Road
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: 287-4586
Fax: 287-3640

NO PETS ALLOWED AT THE SURPLUS PROPERTY LOCATION

Not with standing any requirement of this chapter or rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, a fire department may purchase one personal computer from the Bureau of General Services to be used for reporting to the State Fire Marshal as required under Title 25, section 2395. The Bureau of General Services may charge a fire department only the reasonable administrative and handling costs of no more than $35 for the purchase of a personal computer under this subsection.

Computers Include The Following Components:

Pentium IV CPU
17" Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
All Cables

NOTE: Fire Departments must be a prequalified donee independently or listed under the town. Please call 287-2923 with any questions.