The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) FY 2016 application period will open Monday, Jan. 9. Applicants will have until Friday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. to complete and file the applications.
According to a news release from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), applicants are advised to thoroughly review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) before starting an application as there are substantial changes to the FY 2016 SAFER Grant Program.
The SAFER Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section will also be an important tool as it provides more detailed information on the changes and new requirements. The Self-Evaluation tools will be beneficial as you begin to develop the narrative portion of your application.
FY 2016 SAFER Application Assistance Tools
* Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
* Application Checklist
o This checklist will help you prepare your SAFER grant application
* Self-Evaluation – Hiring of Firefighters
o Career, combination, and volunteer fire departments
* Self-Evaluation - Recruitment and Retention - Fire Departments
o Combination and volunteer fire departments
* Self-Evaluation - Recruitment and Retention – Interest Organizations
o National, State, Local, or Tribal Volunteer Firefighters Interest Organizations
* FY 2016 SAFER Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* Economic Hardship Waiver Information – Now Available
SAFER Grants Help Desk: If you have questions about the NOFO or technical assistance tools listed, call or e-mail the SAFER Grants help Desk. The toll-free number is 1-866-274-0960; the e-mail address for questions is [email protected].
FY 2016 SAFER LIVE WEBINARS
FEMA will host live Adobe Connect webinars to provide an overview of the FY 2016 SAFER Grant Program, including both the Hiring of Firefighters activity and the Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters activity. The presentation will outline important changes to the SAFER Grant Program between FY 2015 and FY 2016. In addition, the presentation will offer information about program priorities, eligible costs, and the application and award process. FEMA Fire Program Specialists will be available to answer your questions.
FY 2016 SAFER Grant Program Webinar Schedule:
Monday 01/09/2017 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm ET
Tuesday 01/10/2017 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm ET
Live Webinars
To participate:
Webinar sessions will be broadcast using an Adobe Connect webinar link with call-in phone number for audio transmission. We suggest that you save this link to your browser's favorites. The Adobe Connect webinar can be found at https://fema.connectsolutions.com/saferoverview/ To access the webinar follow these steps:
1. Click on the webinar link
2. Select “enter as a guest” and provide your name and your department’s name. Click on enter the room
3. Agree to the terms of the Adobe Connect system, Click on “OK”
For the audio transmission, the call-in number is: 1-800-320-4330. Enter pin # 530853.
Not sure if the webinar is working on your computer? Test your webinar access now by signing in as a guest, just visit: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/saferoverview/.
