DHS Releases Program Guidance for SAFER Grants

November 6, 2009 – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has posted the program guidance for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. The application period begins November 16, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time and closes December 18, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The program guidance includes information on the new rules governing the use of SAFER funds to rehire fire fighters who have been laid off and bring back positions that are not being filled as a result of the current financial crisis. In addition, SAFER grants apply to municipalities that issued layoff notices before October 31, 2009, and have not yet taken effect. Grants will be expedited in order to deliver funds as soon as possible.

Download SAFER Fact Sheet

Program guidance and applications for $210 million in SAFER funding are available through the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE Act) web site, as well as on the U.S. Fire Administration web site. In addition, a second application period will open in early 2010 for the $420 million appropriated for Fiscal Year 2010.

The IAFF urges affiliates to work with their fire chiefs and local lawmakers to file for the grants. City management must submit the application, but the IAFF is available to assist your community in applying for the grants.

The IAFF is continuing to work with DHS to ensure the application process benefits the greatest number of fire departments facing staffing reductions and will update the information as it becomes available.

The SAFER grant program is administered by the DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency.

For additional information or assistance, contact Jennifer Stewart at (202) 824-8631 or jstewart@iaff.org.