Volunteer Fire Departments Can Now Apply for $10,000 Hazmat Preparedness Grant

As the number of hazmat incidents occurring annually continues to increase, more volunteer fire departments are finding it difficult to afford the training and equipment needed to prepare for and respond to these kinds of incidents. To help departments access these much-needed resources, CHEMTREC® has partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for the sixth year to offer the CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergencies Local Preparedness) Award.

The HELP Award provides grants to assist volunteer departments in securing the resources needed to enhance their hazardous materials response capabilities and improve responder safety. To date, 17 departments have received a total of $165,000 through the program. In 2024, six volunteer departments will be selected to receive $10,000 each, thanks to CHEMTREC® and its supporters which include the American Chemistry Council, Dow, and LyondellBasell. 

The 2024 HELP Award application period is open from June 1 until September 1. Departments must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply: 

• Be composed of more than 50% volunteers
• Serve a population of 25,000 or less
• Department’s annual revenue must not exceed $250,000
• Be located in the United States and legally organized under state law. Tribal entities servicing a tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) that are chartered pursuant to IRA Section 17 or organized by a tribal government pursuant to a tribal code or resolution are eligible to apply.
• Chief or individual applying on behalf of the department must be a member of the NVFC. Check your current member status at members.nvfc.org. Not a member? Learn about member benefits and join at www.nvfc.org/join.
• Explain in the application essay what they would do with the award to increase their hazmat response and preparedness capabilities
• Only one application per department will be accepted.

View full criteria and apply for a CHEMTREC HELP Award by September 1 at www.chemtrec.com/helpaward.

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About CHEMTREC®

CHEMTREC® is the leading source of 24/7 call center support and information during hazardous materials incidents. CHEMTREC is the single point of contact that connects emergency responders with everyone involved – manufacturers, shippers, consignees, carriers, and government agencies. CHEMTREC is equipped to handle any situation and any class of hazardous material.

CHEMTREC and its team of trained, experienced Emergency Services Specialists provide emergency responders with the information they need to safely and effectively manage shipping incidents, including guidebooks, training opportunities, and industry resources. CHEMTREC’s service is complimentary for emergency responders.

About The American Chemistry Council  

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.   

About the NVFC

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org/join.