Report Prepared by: Derek Parker, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization for the Fire Department to Submit a Grant Application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2021 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program to Fund Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Fall Prevention Kits, and Emergency Preparedness Kits with an Estimated Total Project Cost of $315,000 with FEMA Providing 90% of the Project Cost and the City Providing the 10% Local Match
REPORT IN BRIEF
Authorizing the Fire Department to submit a grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2021 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program to fund a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector supplies, a fall prevention kit for the elderly, and emergency preparedness kits with an estimated total project cost of $315,000 with FEMA providing 90% of the project cost and the City providing the 10% local match.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2021 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program with an estimated total project cost of $315,000 with FEMA providing 90% of the project cost and the city providing the 10% local match.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve with modifications; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by Council; or,
4. Continue to a future Council meeting; or,
5. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200
Charter of the City of Merced, Article IV, Section 405
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety as identified in the FY 21/22 adopted budget.
DISCUSSION
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) Program is one of three grant programs that constitute the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations.
The FEMA AFG Program, which includes the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program, competitively awards grant funding directly to fire departments and other agencies to provide support to those that lack the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards they may face.
FY 2021 FP&S Program Factoids:
• $46 Million Available for Funding
• 150 Projected Number of Awards
• 01/18/22 Application Period Opens
• 02/18/22, 5:00 p.m., E.S.T. Grant Application Deadline
• 04/30/22 - 09/30/22 Anticipated Award Dates
• 24 Month Performance Period
• 07/01/22 Projected Period of Performance Start Date
• 06/30/24 Projected Period of Performance End Date
• Eligible Activities
o Fire Prevention & Safety
o Research & Development
• 10% Local Cost Match
The Fire Department is seeking authorization to submit one grant application for three projects: Combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, fall-reduction kits for the elderly, and emergency preparedness kits. The funding matrix is reflected below:
|
Grant Name |
Performance Period (Months) |
Estimated Total Project Cost ($) |
Local Match Requirement (%) |
Estimated Local Share ($) |
Estimated FEMA Grant Reimbursement ($) |
|
FP&S |
24 |
$315,000.00 |
10% |
$ 28,636.36 |
$ 286,363.64 |
Merced Fire Department is dedicated to protecting lives, property, and the environment, as indicated by our mission statement. One of the most effective ways to protect lives, both civilian and firefighters, is through the installation of working smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide is also very dangerous. MFD will be installing combination smoke detector/carbon monoxide detectors for those in need.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the nation’s leading source of fire service statistics and standards. Per the NFPA, almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41 percent) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent). The risk of dying in reported home structure fires is 55 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked. MFD’s commitment is to the community, to reduce the risk of fire, and lessen the effects of fire.
MFD will educate the public on the benefits of working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in a reliable manner. Merced has experienced a fire fatality in the previous 5 years and, there have been hundreds of fires that have occurred in occupied dwellings over the last 5 years. Smoke detectors alert occupants of a threat and allow time to escape.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the leading authority on injury. More than one out of four people aged 65 or older falls each year and over 3 million are treated in emergency departments annually for fall injuries. Just as Fire Prevention is an important part of reducing fire, fall prevention is critical to reduce the impact of the elderly. MFD will initiate an outreach program focused on fall prevention for the elderly to screen, assess, and intervene. 250 kits will be developed to address throw rugs, electrical cords, and shower safety.
Emergencies impact our community every day, however disasters can bring communities to a standstill. MFD will equip up to 250 residents with emergency preparedness kits to be utilized when needed. The kits consist of a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and oven mitts. By preparing our community in the times of crisis we reduce the impact on our city resources by empowering the community to serve.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is required at this time. Should the grant be awarded, the fire department will return to Council and request that the grant be accepted.
If the grant is awarded, a supplemental appropriation will be needed from the unencumbered, unreserved General Fund and/or Measure Y balance for use as the City of Merced’s local match as required by the grant’s terms and conditions. Additionally, the use of pooled cash will be required to cover the initial outlays of the grant until the grant funds are reimbursed.
ATTACHMENTS
None.