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WASHINGTON, DC – US Senators from Michigan Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters announced that the Michigan Public Health Institute will receive $ 1,408,797 to provide smoke detectors and develop online fire prevention tools for Michigan schools.

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association will also receive $ 1,500,000 in federal funding to support community education and training in fire prevention. These federal funds come from the Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Prevention and Security Grant program.

“Our firefighters and first responders put their lives at risk to protect our families, homes and communities.” Stabenow said in a press release. “Prevention is so important. These new resources will help save lives and the precious assets of families.

Peters added: “Michigan first responders have put their safety on the line time and time again to protect their neighbors and communities. This funding will help communities secure up-to-date resources like smoke detectors and put plans in place to ensure Michiganders and first responders are better protected in the event of a disaster.

“Research shows that a working smoke detector can almost halve the risk of death in a fire. Far too many people in our country do not have this basic level of protection. MPHI’s Sound Off project distributed 58,000 smoke detectors to be installed in low-income homes. In addition to educating children about fire safety, this new FEMA funding will allow us to distribute an additional 20,500 alarms, bringing the project total to 78,500 alarms in homes in high-risk communities. We look forward to continuing this important work with all of our partners, fire departments and schools to expand this rescue program in high risk communities ”, said Meghan Faulkner, MA, associate director of operations, Michigan Public Health Institute’s Center for National Prevention Initiatives.

Qualifying fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in Michigan and nationwide can apply for fire prevention and safety grants. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.