The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced that applications are now open for $2 million in grants to support fire and life safety education initiatives aimed at children and older adults.
These groups are considered at the highest risk in home fire incidents.
The funding is provided through two state programs: the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and the Senior SAFE grants.
The Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, along with the Department of Fire Services, administers these programs.
Through SAFE and Senior SAFE, firefighters visit schools, community centers, senior centers, and other venues to provide fire safety education tailored to children under 18 and adults over 65.
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine commented on the importance of these initiatives, stating: “The SAFE and Senior SAFE grants are a smart investment in fire protection, fire prevention, and fire safety for the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
He further expressed gratitude for the continued support of Governor Healey, the Executive Office of Public Safety, and the Legislature, encouraging all fire departments to apply for the grants.
Since its inception, the SAFE grant program has contributed to a notable reduction in child fire fatalities across Massachusetts.
In 1994, child fire deaths exceeded two dozen, but following the program’s launch, these numbers declined significantly, never returning to previous levels.
In recent years, Massachusetts marked over two and a half years without a single child fire fatality.
Launched in 2014, the Senior SAFE program was established to lower fire-related deaths among older adults, now considered the age group most likely to perish in a fire.
This program provides educational resources, along with smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installations, among other services.
By increasing safety awareness and resources for older residents, the program aims to reduce fire-related incidents within this vulnerable demographic.
Older adults receive targeted fire safety lessons, while also benefiting from installations that can alert them in time to avoid harm.
The initiative has become a key component of Massachusetts’ broader fire prevention efforts.
Eligible entities, including city and town fire departments, fire districts, and certain state authorities, may apply for the SAFE and Senior SAFE grants or both.
Applicants must fulfill specific eligibility requirements, such as mandatory fire data reporting, to be considered for funding.
The Department of Fire Services’ website provides the Notice of Funding Opportunity, grant applications, and other relevant guidelines.
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on December 10, 2024, providing departments a limited timeframe to apply.
The Massachusetts Healey-Driscoll Administration has opened applications for $2 million in grants to support fire safety education for children and older adults.
The Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE grants, managed by the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security and the Department of Fire Services, aim to educate vulnerable groups on fire prevention and response.
Fire departments across the state can apply for the grants, provided they meet eligibility criteria, including data reporting obligations.
Applications, available on the Department of Fire Services’ website, must be submitted by December 10, 2024.
