Friday, January 30, 2009

Deadline Approaching: Submit Your Nominations Now for the Fire Prevention Award

There is still time to nominate an outstanding volunteer firefighter for the NVFC Fire Prevention Award. Recognize the fire prevention efforts and achievements of a volunteer firefighter you admire by nominating them for this prestigious national award. Nominations must be received by February 13.

Sponsored by First Alert, the NVFC Fire Prevention Award annually honors a volunteer firefighter for remarkable efforts made in the area of fire prevention. The award was established in the memory of volunteer firefighter and NVFC Board member Marc Mueller, who energetically promoted the causes of volunteer firefighters and supported all efforts to elevate the volunteer fire and emergency services to their highest level.

To nominate an individual for the NVFC Fire Prevention Award, submit a nomination packet including:nomination form a background sheet or resume containing an overview of the individual's experience, education, and other pertinent information letters of recommendation supporting the nominee.

Use the online nomination form, or email submissions to rachel@nvfc.org, fax to 202-887-5291, or mail to:NVFCAttn: Fire Prevention Award7852 Walker Drive, Suite 450Greenbelt, MD 20770The recipient of the Fire Prevention Award will be recognized during a special presentation at the 2009 NVFC Spring Board Meeting on April 3 in Alexandria, VA. Travel and arrangements for the recipient and a guest will be provided.

Visit www.nvfc.org/fire_prevention_award for more information, including award criteria and a nomination form.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

NFPA offers conference scholarships to safety educators

NFPA Announces the Following:

Attention fire and life safety educators: we want as many of you as possible to attend the NFPA Conference and Expo in Chicago, IL, this June. We've got some great educational opportunities designed just for you, as well as some outstanding networking opportunities in the works.
To make getting to Chicago easier, NFPA is awarding up to 30 scholarships for fire and life safety educators. Here's what you'll get:

free conference registration
three nights lodging
some meals

Here's what you'll be responsible for:
airfare
airport transfers
some meals
miscellaneous expenses

Don't delay -- only 30 scholarships are available. Download the application (PDF, 67 KB) and return it to NFPA by March 20, 2009.

Application Period to Open for DHS Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

The Department of Homeland Security has posted the FY2008 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants Program Guidance on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Website. The application period is scheduled to begin on February 2, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Applications for these grants must be received by March 6, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The grants are competitive, and their primary goal is to target high-risk populations. Grant awards are made in order to mitigate high incidences of death and injury and to carry out research for improving firefighter safety. 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, and arson prevention and awareness programs. Organizations that are eligible to apply under the research activity should consult the Program Guidance for detailed information on priorities and areas of emphasis.

An applicant tutorial for the fire prevention activity will be available through the www.firegrantsupport.com Website. The tutorial will provide you with valuable grant information and will walk you through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial will provide an overview of the fire prevention funding priorities and evaluation criteria. Applicants who have questions regarding the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants opportunity should contact the help desk as soon as possible at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume, demand, holidays and urgency to complete the FP&S Grants application period and processing for FY08.

The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.

FY08 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants Program Guidance - visit www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/guidance/. FY08 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants FAQs - visit www.firegrantsupport.com/fps/faq/08/.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Novelty Lighter Ban Bill Submitted in Arkansas

Sen. Sharon Trusty, R-Russellville, filed the bill Monday to ban selling and distributing novelty lighters in Arkansas. The proposal sets fines between $25 and $500 for anyone who sells the lighters, which are often found in convenience stores and gas stations.

Click HERE to learn more.

See a copy of the bill HERE.

Follow the status of the bill HERE.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Firesafetyeducator.com visits with Michael McLeieer from the Merrimac Fire Department (MA)

Michael McLeieer, Director of Public Education for the Merrimac Fire Department in Merrimac, Massachusetts, shares tips on firesafetyeducator.com concerning how to develop and deliver fire safety programming for children ages three through five and older children in a community.





Fire departments or organizations wishing to share their fire or life safety program or initiatives, upcoming safety event or news are welcome to showcase and share their efforts on the site. To learn more contact Firefighter Dayna Hilton at 479.979.7328 or daynark@gmail.com.

View press release HERE.