SAFER Application Deadline Is August 31

August 23, 2007 – The IAFF is reminding affiliates and their fire chiefs that the application deadline for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 31, 2007. SAFER is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Grants and Training in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

With more than two-thirds of the nation’s fire departments understaffed, SAFER grants provide critical funding for the hiring of fire personnel.

DHS has posted Program Guidance and other materials for the 2007 SAFER grant program for applicants interested in details regarding eligibility and priorities of the two activities funded under the program, including the Hiring of Firefighters Activity. The IAFF also offers a new online job aid to assist members in the SAFER application process and to provide critical information to IAFF union leaders about the SAFER grant program.

Click here for an application. Fire departments can also contact the Fire Grants Help Desk at 1 (866) 274-0960 or email firegrants@dhs.gov.

SAFER is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. SAFER grants that support the hiring of fire fighters require applicants to provide a funding match; the formula for the funding match is explained in the program guidance documents.

The AFG Program Office offers three grant opportunities in each year. AFG fire grant funds are used by the nation’s fire fighters and first responders to increase the effectiveness of fire fighting and emergency response operations. The application period for these grants was in the spring, and award decisions for applications that are eligible have begun. In addition to the SAFER grant opportunity, a third grant opportunity will be available when the AFG Program Office opens the application period for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants. These grants not only support fire departments but also support other organizations experienced in fire prevention and in fire fighter safety research.

Through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, Congress provided $662 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants, with $115 million of the funding specified for SAFER grants and a minimum of $27.35 million for the Fire Prevention and Safety grants.