The federal funding comes from FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grant program, which was designed to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters. According to a press release, the funds will allow the New Braunfels Fire Department to continue its free smoke detector program for residents over age 65 or with disabilities.
New Braunfels City Manager Robert Camareno emphasized the free smoke detector program was a “tremendous” benefit to the New Braunfels community.
“We are grateful to FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security for seeing the value of this program and providing this funding,” Camareno said in a press release.
The city also contributed approximately $1,928.58 to the program, bringing the funds up to a total of $40,500. The money is to be spent over a two-year period.
In the first year, a portion of the funds will go toward purchasing 1,500 long-lasting, 10-year batteries to replace short-life batteries in existing smoke detectors installed in the homes of older residents or residents with disabilities. According to a press release, the funds will also be used to purchase 1,500 long-lasting sealed smoke detectors with a nonremovable 10-year battery for continuous power to be installed in those particular residents’ homes.
New Braunfels Fire Chief Ruy Lozano noted this was the first time FEMA had directly awarded a grant to the New Braunfels Fire Department.
“I would like to thank the city of New Braunfels grant writing team and Fire Marshal Matthew Bushnell for their hard work in the pursuit of this grant,” Lozano said in a press release.
Residents who are age 65 and older, or residents with disabilities interested in participating in the free smoke detector program should contact the New Braunfels Fire Department at 830-221-4206 or email [email protected].
