Congressman Pallone Helps Secure Federal Funding for Carteret Fire Department to Distribute Free Fire Alarms

Carteret, NJ - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced he has helped secure $35,714 in federal funding for the Borough of Carteret through the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program. The funding will be used to provide, distribute, and install up to 1400 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as part of Carteret's Fire Safe program, a community program that helps residents improve fire safety and prevention in their homes.

"Thousands of people are injured in home fires every year. This grant will help Carteret take an innovative approach to save lives, prevent injuries, and minimize property damage from fires," said Congressman Pallone. "This funding will also go a long way to ensure residents have the necessary equipment to keep their homes and families safe from fire hazards."

"With this federal grant through FEMA 's Assistance to Firefighters, Fire Prevention and Safety Program we will be able to better serve our community's fire prevention efforts and ensure the safety of our residents. These limited funds will allow the Carteret Fire Department to provide 1400 smoke alarm installations in local homes," said Carteret Mayor Daniel J. Reiman. "As always, we applaud Congressman Pallone's support of federal programs that provide local assistance to communities like Carteret."

"This FEMA Fire Prevention Grant will safeguard our residents from fire and carbon monoxide threats. Carteret Firefighters will install new smoke and CO alarms in homes that are unprotected or under protected, due to missing or aging alarms," said Carteret Fire Chief Mark Hruska. "The new units will come with permanently installed, 10-year sealed batteries. This will further protect residents by eliminating missing batteries in the alarms, that we often see with the older units."

FP&S Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, under the administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The FP&S Grant Program provides funding to eligible applicants seeking to strengthen community fire prevention programs and to support scientific research on innovations that improve firefighter safety, health, and well-being.