While we've all been waiting patiently for the SAFER Grant program to begin, FEMA has thrown the fire service a curveball by unexpectedly announcing the start of the 2009 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Application!

What are the basics of the 2009 FP&S Grant program?

As stated in the official program guidance, FP&S offers grants to support activities in two categories:

1. 1. Activities designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidences of deaths and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards. The "Fire Prevention and Safety Activity"
2. 2. Research and development activities aimed at improvements of firefighter safety. The "Firefighter Safety Research and Development Activity"

The average fire department interested in implementing general fire prevention activities to mitigate a specific fire safety risk within their district should submit their FP&S application in the first category; the "Fire Prevention and Safety Activity." The second category of awards is reserved for regional or national organizations interested in carrying out research and development activities that will ultimately improve firefighter safety.

When will the 2009 FP&S application period open and close?

The application period will open September 21, 2009 and will close on October 23, 2009 (5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time).

How can a fire department apply?

Fire departments and other eligible applicants should apply online using the "E-Grant Application" which can be found at www.firegrantsupport.com

What types of projects are eligible?

The 2009 FP&S Program has established four categories of eligible projects under the "Fire Prevention and Safety Activity"

• • General Education/Awareness
• • Code Enforcement/Awareness
• • Fire & Arson Investigation
• • National/State/Regional Programs and Studies

Examples of the types of fire prevention projects that are supported by FP&S include smoke alarm installation, fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile fire setter interventions, media campaigns, code enforcement, and arson prevention and awareness programs.

Where can fire departments find more information?

Additional information about the 2009 FP&S program including the official program guidance, FAQs, and the application tutorial (when available) can be found at www.firegrantsupport.com/fps.

If you'd like assistance in preparing your 2009 FP&S application, please call Firehouse Grants today at 215.896.8174 or email david@firehousegrants.com

David Schwartz is the President of Firehouse Grants LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in preparing grant applications for emergency services organizations. David has been a volunteer firefighter since 2001 and currently serves as President of a volunteer fire company in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He has been directly involved in raising over $1.3 million in funding from local, state, and federal grant programs such as AFG and SAFER. The most recently awarded application prepared by David was a SAFER grant from which a consortium of five volunteer fire departments received $834,000. Firehouse Grants' strategy for success is built on a fundamental understanding of emergency services, superior technical writing, and attention to detail. Each of these elements is combined to produce unparalleled grants with an impressive success rate. Recognizing that firefighters are too busy fighting fires to prepare grant applications, the goal of Firehouse Grants is to enable firefighters to focus on serving the community without missing out on valuable funding opportunities.

If you'd like assistance in preparing a SAFER grant for your department or if you have general questions about grant programs please email David at