This year, Fire Prevention Week is from October 8 to 14. During Fire Prevention Week, fire departments urge their citizens to check their smoke detectors, plan escape routes in case of fires, and take other steps to make their homes fire safe. This year, U.S. Congress can play a role too.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program both are facing elimination on September 30, 2024. So, Congress must pass legislation to protect these programs.
The Senate passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870), which will reauthorize funding for the AFG and SAFER programs. In addition, it will move the sunset date for the AFG and SAFER programs to September 30, 2032. The Senate passed S. 870 on April 20, 2023.
The House of Representatives is now considering its version of the Fire Grants and Safety Act (H.R. 4090). The House bill would move the sunset date for the AFG and SAFER programs to September 30, 2030. This bill was passed by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on June 21. Now the full House must pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act.
If you hold any public events or meet with your Senators or Representatives during Fire Prevention Week, please use this time to advocate for passage of the Fire Grants and Safety Act. Please discuss how the AFG and SAFER grant programs provide critical training, staffing, and equipment for your department. Also, please discuss how Congress has a role to play in reducing fire deaths, injuries, and property loss by passing the Fire Grants and Safety Act.
The IAFC has developed talking points to help you advocate for the protection of the AFG and SAFER programs. This year, fire is everyone’s fight, including Congress!
Download talking points