FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: 4-5-10

CONTACT: Vickie Pritchett

(615)533-0305

COMMON VOICES RECEIVES FIRE PREVENTION GRANT FOR NATIONAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO FOCUS ON BUILDING SAFE HOMES WITH FIRE SPRINKLERS

Washington DC – Common Voices received notification from the 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, Fire Prevention program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that their grant in the amount of $222,290.00 was funded.

Through the AFG program, the department awards grants to firefighters, emergency response personnel and first responders throughout the country to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public, with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants provide resources for local fire departments and emergency medical services programs to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and fire prevention initiatives such as Common Voices.

Common Voices will use the grant funds for delivery of a national media campaign that will raise awareness of current fire prevention strategies. These strategies will focus on the fact that fire sprinklers are a critical part of a fire protection package, which includes working smoke alarms, a family escape plan, and the installation of home fire sprinklers.

Common Voices advocates have first-hand experience with the effects of fire, understand the devastating impact of fire on our lives and communities, and hope our efforts prevent future injuries and deaths.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the department’s Directorate for Preparedness through its Office of Grants and Training (G&T) in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration, also a division of the Preparedness Directorate.

The Directorate for Preparedness bolsters the nation’s security through a multilayered system of preparedness measures based on risk assessment and management. Working with federal, state, local and private sector partners, the Directorate for Preparedness identifies threats, determines vulnerabilities and targets resources where risk is greatest. Through grants, training and exercises, fire service, public health and citizen preparedness initiatives, the Directorate fosters a layered system of protective measures to safeguard our borders, critical infrastructure and cyber security and telecommunications systems.

The Office of Grants and Training, the federal government’s lead agency responsible for preparing the nation against terrorism and other catastrophic events, provides a wide array of support to the emergency preparedness and response community. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) works to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies through leadership, advocacy, coordination and support.

For more information on Common Voices, contact us at 615-533-0305, or check us out on the web at www.fireadvocates.org