LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) announced information Tuesday regarding federal safety grants aimed at assisting local fire departments that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types, including fire prevention and safety.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program opened on Monday and will close on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 5pm.

“Our first responders are always there for us, willing to risk their lives to keep others safe,” said Fitzpatrick. “This grant is an opportunity to bring valuable federal support into our communities, and to ensure our local fire departments have the staffing and resources to protect both lives and property in our communities.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an important component of the larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, Congress appropriated $345 million to carry out AFG Program activities.

The purpose of the AFG Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The purpose of the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program is to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidences of deaths and injuries caused by fire and firerelated hazards. Funding under FP&S also supports Firefighter Safety, Research and Development (R&D) activities. The allocation of FP&S awards is a highly competitive process; awards are determined based on an applicant’s ability to both address FP&S program priorities and provide the most compelling justification for their need

The NOFO and technical assistance documents for this program are available at www.grants.gov, and https://www.fema.gov/fire-prevention-safety-grants. Additionally, interested organizations may contact Sean Roche in Fitzpatrick’s district office at (215) 579-8102 or sean.roche@mail.house.gov.