Title
Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Application FY2015 (NB)
This item requests that the City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to apply for and, if awarded, accept grant funds from the FY2015 US Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program.
Explanation
The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations. The application period for the FY2015 funding opens April 4th, 2016 and closes May 6th, 2016.
Gainesville Fire Rescue proposes the submission of an application that would fund a Home Fire Sprinkler Initiative to raise community awareness about the lifesaving benefits of installing a home sprinkler system in newly constructed homes, funding to revive GFR’s “Project Get Alarmed” smoke alarm, CO detector, and home safety evaluation program, which targets economically challenged residents, and the purchase of an inflatable fire safety house designed to support home fire safety education and awareness.
The Home Fire Sprinkler Initiative will augment GFR’s planned Economic Impact Study of all community specific incentives available to offset the cost of installing residential fire sprinkler systems. The City Commission asked the City Manager to provide a FY17 increment for City Commission consideration to fund the State required Economic Impact Study on October 1, 2015.
Project Get Alarmed has proven to be a resounding community success since 2004 but inconsistent funding creates a concerning backlog of applications. The inflatable fire safety house is customizable and provides hand-on teaching, including practice for home escape plans.
Fiscal Note
The City could receive up to $116,010.91. Matching funds of five percent (5%) or approximately $5,800.55 will be identified in the department’s budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to submit the grant application and, if awarded, execute the grant contract and other related documents, pending approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.