U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $686,337 in federal funding for the FDNY Foundation. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Prevention and Safety program (FP&S). Earlier this month, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand sent a letter to urging FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate to swiftly approve the funding for the FDNY.
“This much-needed federal funding will provide the FDNY with the resources needed to expand their successful ‘senior citizens alarm installation campaign’,” said Schumer. “This investment will help keep New York City’s most vulnerable population safe in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.”
“Our city firefighters are on the front lines, keeping New Yorkers out of harm’s way and risking their own lives to save others,” said Gillibrand. “This important federal investment will help our first responders continue to aid the most vulnerable in our communities through the ‘senior citizens alarm installation campaign,’ helping to reduce injuries and save lives.”
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to increase fire safety for all New Yorkers with the Senior Citizens Alarm Installation Campaign. This FEMA-funded program will allow us to dispatch firefighters to install 10-year smoke and CO alarms for senior citizens most at risk for fire. We are so very grateful to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for recognizing the importance of this effort to focus on vulnerable communities and make more New Yorkers safer from fire. The FDNY continues to deepen its commitment to prevention and education as the best weapons in our arsenal to fight fire,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro and FDNY Foundation Board of Directors
The FDNY will use the federal funding for their Senior Citizens Alarm Installation Campaign. Funding will be used towards the installation of 10-year, sealed battery, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Although landlords are responsible for the installation of detectors, tenants are responsible for battery testing and maintenance, which may be a challenge for senior citizens with mobility issues. FDNY’s fire safety educators and coordinators outreach to senior and handicapped households in need of fire safety home reviews and alarm installations.
The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and are under the purview of the National Preparedness Directorate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and mitigate high incidences of death and injury. Examples of the types of projects supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs.