By Bob Katzen
Gov. Healey announced that her administration is making $1.8 million in grants available to local fire departments to support fire and life safety efforts that protect Massachusetts’ most vulnerable residents.
The annual Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE grants are used to fund trained firefighter-educators who deliver age-appropriate safety education to school-aged children and older adults, as well as the associated costs of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, teaching equipment and other expenses.
“Consistent, statewide fire and life safety education has helped make Massachusetts one of the most fire-safe states in the nation,” said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. “The SAFE and Senior SAFE grants are a vital part of that educational strategy. I strongly encourage every local fire department to apply.”
Supporters say these grants contributed to the steepest decline in child fire deaths in Massachusetts history. In 1994, there were more than two dozen child fire fatalities. The SAFE grants were launched the following year and child fire deaths never again reached even half that number, declining at a rate about 30% steeper than fire deaths overall.
Fire departments in every city, town, fire district are eligible but must meet certain requirements. Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on September 29. For more info and to get an application go to: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/student-awareness-of-fire-education-safe