WASHINGTON, D.C. – Many emergency services personnel attending the annual Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) event spent Wednesday afternoon getting updates on a number of issues including fire prevention initiatives, grant funding changes and health and fitness research.
Fire officials learned that vendors or manufacturers who help them with a Assistance to Firefighters’ Grant (AFG) application are not allowed to participate or get the contract on the apparatus. They also were strongly encouraged to review the conflict of interest policies.
Equipment purchased with federal funds also must be insured at the same level as the other apparatus in the fleet. And, without FEMA approval, the rig may not be used as collateral for a loan.
To receive funding, a department has to be registered at System For Awards Management (SAM).
Also, basic equipment to help firefighters achieve or maintain operations is considered the highest priority, according to Cathie Patterson, who oversees the program.
AFG funds may not be used for community projects or infrastructures, and score rating for funding vehicles is being reviewed.
Patterson said her office produces national webinars and tutorials are available to assist as firefighters fill out the applications. She also encouraged them to use the self-assessment tool and the check list before submitting the forms.
“There are good grant writers and bad grant writers,” she warned. “I’d hate to see you get bad advice because you are responsible for the grant…”
Patterson added that panic should not set in fire officials learn they’re being audited. “Don’t be threatened or intimidated” as the inspector general’s office monitors programs.
The deadline for Fire Prevention and Safety grant applications is 5 p.m. April 17.
Community Risk Reduction
Fire prevention may be getting a new name – Community Risk Reduction (CRR) – in some circles, but the concept remains the same.
Vision 20/20 officials touted the recent programs of three departments – Wilmington, N.C., Philadelphia, and Tucson, Ariz.
Wilmington firefighters truly became part of their community by doing more than handing out flyers and placing posters. They showed up to help students move into college dorms and apartments.
In addition to installing smoke alarms, they also pointed out potential hazards. The crews have become a fixture at student activities as well.
Meanwhile, firefighters in the fifth largest department in the country – Philadelphia – are boasting about visits to homes in their districts. In a month, they installed 7,000 alarms.
Some of the firefighters who originally griped about the detail wound up enjoying it as the residents were so appreciative.
Residents in Tucson may be getting new alarms installed, but it’s not the firefighters with the tools. Health officials doing home visits are the ones handling the task.
Although firefighters were not welcome in some homes due to fear, they didn’t give up on residents having the life-saving devices, and taught others how to install them.
Vision 20/20 also announced the creation of a new website where a myriad of prevention materials can be obtained.
