(Washington, DC) - U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Queens/L.I.) today announced that the Department of Homeland Security is accepting applications for fire-safety funding under its Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) grants program. Those eligible to apply include fire departments and national, state and local organizations involved in fire prevention and fire safety activities. Examples of fire safety activities eligible under the program include public safety education campaigns, juvenile fire setter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs. Both private and public nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for funding under the program.

FP&S grants provide support for efforts to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards, particularly in high-risk groups such children, the elderly and firefighters. The grants are funded through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act which Congress passed last year. The program is a component of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters initiative, whose purpose is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters.

To apply for FP&S grants, organizations can submit an application through November 30, 2007. Applications and instructions are available at http://www.firegrantsupport.com.

Using a competitive process and the recommendations of fire service experts, the Department of Homeland Security will award the grants to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the FP&S program.

“These funds will help make our communities safer” said Ackerman. “So I encourage any eligible organization or local fire department to apply for these critical dollars and contact my office should they require any assistance.”

###

Return to Gary's Homepage