The Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2009 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant application period is open until Oct. 23. Fire Corps encourages departments to apply for the grants, especially for those areas related to public-safety education initiatives. Fire Corps is one of five partner programs under Citizen Corps, FEMA’s grassroots strategy to bring together government and community leaders to involve citizens in all-hazards emergency preparedness, said Sarah Lee, acting director of the Fire Corps. It is run by the National Volunteer Fire Council.

Lee encouraged departments that win grant money to partner with the organization. She said grants can be used for activities commonly performed by Fire Corps teams, including smoke alarm installation, fire-prevention and public-safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, arson prevention and awareness programs, and department health and safety initiatives.

“Nearly half of the Fire Corps teams use funding from the grants to purchase uniforms for members, buying educational materials, smoke alarms and basic supplies they need for public education,” Lee said.

For additional information about applying for the grants, contact FEMA at 866-274-0960 or firegrants@dhs.gov.