Washington, D.C.—The Department of Homeland Security will open the application period for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) at 8 a.m. on November 16, 2009 and end it at 5 p.m. on December 18, 2009.

“These are competitive grants that assist local fire departments to increase their staffing and deployment capabilities in order to respond to emergencies more quickly and with the appropriate number of personnel,” said U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, a long-time volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician.  “Organizations eligible to apply should begin the process as soon as possible.”

SAFER Grants provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them increase the number of trained, “front-line” firefighters available in their communities, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
SAFER Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U. S. Fire Administration.

“Homeland Security has set up a website that provides a tutorial on just how to apply for these grants,” Thompson explained. “It gives the overview of their funding priorities and how they evaluate applicants.” The website is www.firegrantsupport.com, but applicants may also call 1-866-274-0960 or e-mail firegrants@dhs.gov for more information.             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
#####