Hanover Fire Department Awarded $82,897 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant!

The Hanover Fire Department is excited to announce that we have been awarded $82,897 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant.  These funds will be utilized to allow the department to implement a Home Safety Visit program with the goal of enhancing the fire and life safety of residents in Hanover with specific attention to some of the most vulnerable including those aged 65 years and older.  This program will be in collaboration with the Hanover Community Services Department, Visiting Nurses Association, Veteran’s Agent, and others.  FP&S activities are designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidences of death, injuries, and property damage caused by fire and fire-related hazards.

The FP&S award will provide funding for this one-year initiative that allows the fire department to visit residents in their homes and conduct a walk-through aimed at identifying fire and other hazards.  Following a check-list, firefighters will look at various areas of the home including the kitchen, living areas, bedrooms, and utility spaces, and call attention to issues that may need to be addressed.  If possible, the firefighter will correct the issue, provide resources or items that will mitigate the hazard, or refer the issue to another appropriate agency.

Funding from this grant award will also allow firefighters to provide items and supplies to residents aimed at enhancing fire safety in the home. The highlight of this program is the ability to offer and install both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, if necessary.  Other items that will be available include power strips/surge protectors, flashlights, oven-mitts, fall prevention tools, and emergency preparedness supplies.  All items are fully funded through the FP&S grant and are available to residents during the home safety visit free of charge.  The Hanover Fire Department has partnered with Curry Ace Hardware to provide all of these items.

Information will be made available soon for residents looking to take advantage of the Home Safety Visit program.