Updates

Homeland Security Announces Opening of Application Period for 2004 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

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WASHINGTON D.C.- C. Suzanne Mencer, Executive Director of theU.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Office of State and Local GovernmentCoordination & Preparedness (SLGCP), announced today the application periodfor the 2004 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants has opened and will continuethrough September 30.

"Each year in the United States, thousands of people arekilled and thousands more are injured in fires, many of which arepreventable," Mencer said. "These Fire Prevention and Safety Grantshelp firefighters throughout the country provide critical fire safety educationand conduct other activities to protect children, families, and communities fromfires and other hazards. President Bush and Secretary Ridge are committed tocontinued support for these important grants."

"For every fire prevented, we know citizens and thefirefighters who must respond throughout the country, are spared the destructionof fire," said R. David Paulison, Administrator of the United States FireAdministration. "Since the first year of these grants, the creativity andimpact of fire organizations and personnel committed to the prevention of firehave reduced the number of Americans facing the tragic results of fire."

The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants fund projects relatedspecifically to fire prevention. Fire departments as well as national, regional,state or local organizations with expertise in fire prevention are eligible toapply for these grants. Applications can be submitted online at https://portal.fema.gov.

This program is part of the Assistance to Firefighters GrantProgram that will award over $700 million to firefighters this year to helplocal fire departments purchase equipment, fund health and safety programs,enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire education andprevention programs.

Information on the 2004 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants isavailable at http://www.firegrantsupport.com.In addition, applicants can contact the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Programstaff via phone or email, (866) 274-0960 or firegrants@dhs.gov,with questions.