Van Hollen Announces $308,096 for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the Department of Homeland Security, has awarded a $308,096 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. The grant will be used to reduce the number of fire-related deaths and injuries by decreasing the number of homes in Montgomery County that are not adequately protected by smoke alarms.

"Montgomery County's first responders put their lives on the line every day responding to emergencies, and they also work tirelessly to prevent disasters in the first place," said Congressman Van Hollen. "This important funding will help ensure everyone, especially older Marylanders, have the protections in place to keep them safe in the unfortunate event of a fire."

The award will be used to increase awareness of Maryland's new Smoke Alarm Law and provide tools, equipment and technology to expand the Service's fire safety programs designed to educate residents, particularly the elderly, low income and disabled residents, on the importance of smoke alarms through its community-based Safety in Our Neighborhood and Senior Home Safety Check program.

FP&S grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and hazard emergencies. AFG grants fund firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, firefighter/first responder safety projects, and staffing recruitment and retention, as well as public fire safety education.

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