H.R. 5575: Firefighters Assisting Seniors To Emergency Response Act

This bill, known as the Firefighters Assisting Seniors To Emergency Response Act (FASTER Act), aims to authorize grants to firefighters and fire departments to help improve home safety for seniors and reduce the frequency and severity of falls among older adults. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Purpose

The main objectives of the bill are to:

• Reduce the number of falls experienced by seniors.
• Enhance response times for fire departments when attending to in-home emergencies related to falls.

Grants for Fire Departments

The bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide grants to:

• Career fire departments
• Combination fire departments
• Volunteer fire departments

These grants will support programs that focus on improving home safety and implementing fall prevention strategies specifically designed for older adults.

Duration and Funding of Grants

The grants will be awarded for a period of three years with specific percentages of cost coverage:

• 75% coverage in the first year
• 75% coverage in the second year
• 35% coverage in the third year

Application Process

To qualify for a grant, fire departments must submit an application to FEMA, which must include:

• An explanation of the challenges faced in implementing a fall prevention program without federal assistance.
• A plan for how they will continue the program after federal support ends.

Allowed Uses of Funds

Grant funds can be used for various purposes, including:

• Installation of emergency access devices, like lock boxes, for quicker entry by responders.
• Recruitment and retention of personnel such as firefighters and paramedics for community health initiatives.
• Installation and maintenance of smoke detectors.
• Modification of homes to reduce fall risks, such as removing tripping hazards and adding handrails.
• Conducting health assessments and educational outreach programs aimed at seniors.

Restrictions on Use of Funds

The bill includes some restrictions on how the funds can be used:

• Grant funds cannot replace existing state or local funding but should complement local efforts.
• Only organizations with budgets at or above 80% of their average funding in the previous three years can apply.

Evaluation and Reporting

FEMA is required to establish a system to evaluate the effectiveness of the grants and the success of funded programs. Additionally, within two years of the bill’s enactment, FEMA must report its findings to Congress, along with any suggestions for changes to the program.

Sunset Clause

The authorities provided under this bill are set to expire on September 30, 2036.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes appropriations of:

• $1 million for each of the fiscal years 2026-2028
• $2 million for each of the fiscal years 2029-2031
• $4 million for each of the fiscal years 2032-2034
• $7 million for fiscal year 2035

Of these amounts, 5% may be used for administrative costs related to managing the grant program.

Relevant Companies

None found.