Increases Preparedness
As departments increase fire and emergency services personnel, the public is better protected from all hazards - not just fires.
Fire and emergency services now train to be prepared for "all-hazards" - including natural disasters, terrorism threats and other incidents. The FIRE Act grant program known as Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response or "SAFER" provides much-needed funds to hire additional fire fighters in many communities. In 2005, $65 million in SAFER grants were awarded. Since two-thirds of fire departments do not meet national standards for staffing, SAFER grants are critical to fire fighter and public safety.
“Adequate staffing is the number one need of the fire service,� says International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger. “SAFER grants will help ensure that our nation’s domestic defenders have the personnel they need to respond to both everyday emergencies and large-scale disasters, and protect the public safety.�
The SAFER grant is just one example of how the FIRE Grant programs help increase preparedness. While it increases the number of personnel, additional employees alone are not enough. That is why the FIRE Grants, which include programs for equipment, training and services, as well as personnel, are so important. These programs ensure that communities have a well-rounded approach to preparedness
