Grants Fund Fire Education Programs

READING, MA - A recent award of state grants will help Reading fund fire prevention and education programs for students and seniors.

Reading’s state legislative delegation announced this week that the town has been awarded $7,754 in grant funding by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Department of Fire Services for the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) and Senior SAFE programs for Fiscal Year 2016.

The Reading Fire Department will receive $4,837 for the S.A.F.E. program, which teaches students in grades K- 12 about the dangers of smoking and other fire safety hazards. The department will also receive a $2,917 grant for the Senior SAFE program, which educates seniors on the topics of fire prevention, general home safety and how to be better prepared in the event of a fire.

“The S.A.F.E. program and the Senior SAFE program have proven to be highly effective in promoting the importance of fire safety education among our children and our seniors to help prevent fire-related tragedies,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “I am proud to support this important program, and I know that the town of Reading will put this grant money to good use.”

“Fire safety and awareness programs are vitally important to educate our residents about the importance of public safety,” said Representative James J. Dwyer (D-Woburn). “I am very pleased that the children, and now senior citizens, of our community will be assisted as a result of these important funds.”

“Fire prevention education for both our young people and our seniors has enhanced our public safety and contributed to stronger communities,” said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “I’m pleased that Reading will have these resources available to continue its efforts in the area of emergency prevention.”

Since the creation of the S.A.F.E. program 21 years ago, average annual child fire deaths have been reduced by 70%. The program was expanded three years ago to include fire prevention training for seniors, who are among the most vulnerable populations at risk of fire-related deaths.

“S.A.F.E. is an example of the many successful and valuable programs that the legislature and the governor support on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan. “We are thankful to the legislature for their support of these vital programs, and thankful for expanding S.A.F.E. to include older adult fire prevention education. Additionally, we appreciate and applaud the continued efforts of local fire departments to maintain the highest level of service and professionalism to their communities.”