Title
FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program (NB)
This item requests City Commission authorization for submittal of a regional application to the 2014 Federal AFG Grant Program for the purpose of Station Alerting.
Explanation
On November 3, 2014, the US Department of Homeland Security began accepting applications to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program; applications are due by December 5, 2014. 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 2013, the City and County combined efforts to develop a strategy and an application for funding to enhance station alerting to fire stations. Our system continues to experience 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. In an effort to resolve this delay, thereby meeting benchmarks established in NFPA 1710 and NFPA 1221, a grant was submitted with Gainesville Fire Rescue serving as host agency for this application in partnership with Alachua County Fire Rescue. The agreement involves all purchasing to be accomplished by the City with property transferred compliant with FEMA guidelines.
The City is requesting permission to resubmit this grant for a funding total for the two-year period of up to $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 equipm...
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