Title
FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program (NB)
This item involves a request for the City to accept a grant from the 2013 Federal AFG Grant Program, if awarded, for the purpose of Station Alerting.
Explanation
On November 4th, 2013, the US Department of Homeland Security began accepting applications to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program; applications were due by December 6th, 2013. The program helps fire departments obtain critically needed equipment and resources to protect the public and emergency response personnel from fire and related hazards. Priority is given to initiatives targeted at reaching compliance with national response standards published through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
In an effort to meet benchmarks established in NFPA 1710 and NFPA 1221, the City and County have combined their efforts to develop a strategy and an application for funding to enhance station alerting to fire stations of emergency incidents. Currently, our system is experiencing a six to forty-two second delay in notifications of multiple units when city and county forces are needed. This delay has the potential to allow fires to grow and to prolong the arrival of emergency services to victims.
Technology is available to resolve this alerting delay, thereby creating the capability of simultaneous notification of a full alarm assignment regardless of their location or affiliation. Gainesville Fire Rescue will serve as the host agency for this application in partnership with Alachua County Fire Rescue. All purchasing will be accomplished by the City with property transferred compliant with FEMA guidelines.
The total amount sought through this funding for the two-year period is $1,774,628.
Fiscal Note
If awarded, a 10% cash match of $177,462 is required. Match calculations for the City and County will be based upon the specific equipment to be received by each agency. The match for system components to be housed within the C...
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