Hello everyone!
Hope that you are having a good 2011 so far! Wanted to share a couple of deadlines that are coming up in February, but before I do, wanted to mention that Siren, my 5 month old Dalmatian, is growing up so fast! Siren and I have been busy "Skyping" with students all over the world! Someday I will share more information on skyping and how you can reach more children in your community with your fire safety message. In the photo collage, Siren and I were skyping with a school in Canada. We had a blast and even had the help of a Canadian firefighter during the program. Great times!
Okay, back to the deadlines. The first deadline is for the Fire Prevention and Safety grant. Deadline for grant applications are due February 1st. The second deadline is for the National Fire Protection Association’s "2011 Educator of the Year" (applications due February 25th).
Below you will find information regarding these two programs:
1) Fire Prevention & Safety Grant Application
The FY 2010 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant application period is open. FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. It is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program and is under the purview of the Grants Program Directorate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security. Examples of projects supported by FP&S grants include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, arson prevention and awareness programs, and firefighter health and safety initiatives. The funds can also be for firefighter safety research and development.
Take this opportunity to apply for funding to assist your fire department's fire prevention program. Again, the application deadline is February 4.
In looking at grant resources, I found that the National Volunteer Fire Council has a great site on their webpage, complete with additional grant-writing resources.
2) National Fire Protection Association's “2011 Educator of the Year”
National Fire Protection Association's “Educator of the Year” Award gives educators the recognition they deserve for playing the lead role in making their communities safer. If you know of an educator deserving of this award, be sure to nominate them for this honor!
Last year's recipient was Beverly Thompson, public education specialist with Dekalb County Fire Rescue, Tucker, Georgia. I had the opportunity to meet Beverly last year at the NFPA conference and I can tell you, she's a real dynamo when it comes to helping keep our community safe.
Wondering who some of the past recipients were?
Past recipients include:
· 2009 - Dayna Hilton, Clarksville, Arkansas
· 2008 - Dawn Cull, Harrisonburg, VA
· 2007 - Vanita Krouch and jeff Malkowski, Farmers Branch, TX
· 2006 - Tina Dotson, Asheville, North Carolina
· 2005 - Tracy Sparks, Shelby, North Carolina
· 2004 - Amy Hein, Glenwood, IL
· 2003 - Rae McMullen, Calgary, Alberta, Canad
· 2002 - Michele Clayton, San Pedro, CA
· 2001 - Connie Rowden, Roseville, CA
· 2000 -Michael Jordan, Troutdale, OR
Below you will find the criteria for the award. NFPA is looking for fire and life safety educators who:
· work for a local fire department.
· use NFPA's Risk Watch®, Learn Not to Burn®, Remembering WhenTMor Fire Prevention Week materials.
· use NFPA materials in a consistent and creative way.
· demonstrate excellence and innovation, reaching out to the community with NFPA materials.
· view NFPA as the source for safety information.
The "Educator of the Year" receives:
· $1,000 honorarium.
· travel to Boston, in June 2011 for an award presentation at the opening general session of the NFPA annual conference.
In addition, the local fire department receives:
· $1,000 donation to support public education activities.
Nominate your favorite fire safety educator today! Download the application HERE. Again, the deadline is February 25, 2011.
Before I go, I have to mention that this blog post on “Playing it Safe” on firehouse.com, was done with the help of the program, Dragon Naturally Speaking. If you are like me and are doing all of your work by yourself, this program can help save you a lot of time and allow you to spend more time on your fire safety programming and activities! I promised Pete that with the help of this program, I will be able to blog more frequently. It has definitely been a great tool in my fire safety toolbox!
Stay safe and good luck!
