LEHIGH ACRES, Fla.-As Florida's dry season begins, Senator Ashley Moody today announced the award of more than $44 million in federal grants going to fire departments statewide. Senator Moody's announcement comes during National Fire Prevention Week surrounded by firefighters at the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District-which will be receiving $4.2 million from FEMA's SAFER Grant Program. Through the SAFER Grant Program, fire departments across the state are receiving funds to help hire more firefighters and better protect Florida communities.

"During National Fire Prevention Week, we're recognizing the brave firefighters who work to protect Florida families and communities when emergencies arise. I'm in Lehigh Acres today to announce more than $44 million in recent federal funding for fire departments across our state to help ensure our first responders have the resources and equipment they need to answer the call and keep Floridians safe," said Senator Ashley Moody.

Over the past year, Florida has faced several wildfire threats, including the massive wildfire outside of Miami earlier in the summer. Last year, there were 2,913 wildfires across Florida, burning more than 228,000 acres. Since January of this year, there have been approximately 2,975 wildfires in the state, burning more than 280,000 acres.

BACKGROUND:

• Since Senator Moody has been in office, the total amount of firefighter grant awards provided to Florida fire entities is more than $89 million. This includes 71 individual awards made to Florida applicants across three different FEMA grant programs.
• The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant award announced today will allow the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District to hire 21 new firefighters.
• It is National Fire Prevention Week. Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S., and nearly half of the state is covered in forests-land that is both fire-dependent and fire-prone.
• The following are tips to help prevent fires at home in addition to wildfires:
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of a residence, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas, and test alarms every month;
  • Institute a family fire escape plan, and practice the plan twice a year;
  • Practice safe yard waste burning-never burn on windy days, refrain from burning during dry weather and during periods of high fire danger;
  • Prepare yards for potential wildfires-remove all dead vegetation from yards, roofs, rain gutters, windows and decks; trim trees regularly; create a separation between trees, shrubs and items that could catch fire;
  • Harden the home and outbuildings against fire-keep working fire extinguishers on hand, make sure eaves are made with fire resistant materials, clean vents regularly; and
  • Have an emergency supply kit ready in the event of needing to evacuate quickly-it should include a seven-day supply of prescriptions or other medications, cell phone with chargers; cash, copies of important documents like birth certificates and passports, and an inventory of home contents.
• For more information about wildfires in Florida, click here.

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