Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for and Accept an Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to Provide Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Firefighters
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence & Safe and Secure Community
MEETING DATE: February 7, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Fire Department
CONTACT: Paul Dow, Interim Fire Chief
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
* Approval of the Resolution and appropriate the 10% matching funds
ITEM SUMMARY:
* The funds from the AFG will acquire SCBA for firefighters. This equipment is required to provide fire personnel with airway protection from toxic gas and harmful particulates resulting from fires and other hazardous atmospheres.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
* The department utilizes SCBAs located on 25 different types of apparatus, including Engines, Ladders, Med units, Battalion Chief vehicles, and other support apparatus. This essential safety equipment allows firefighters to enter immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments to conduct rescue, firefighting, and hazardous materials mitigation operations. Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Agencies (OSHA) strictly mandate SCBA use, and the Fire Department must comply with these regulations.
* In addition to the OSHA requirements, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets technical standards for SCBAs. NFPA Standards ensure that current respiratory protection and safety technology is incorporated into an essential component of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE). The two standards that apply to SCBAs are NFPA 1981: Standards on Open Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Emergency Services and NFPA 1982: Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Open Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. These standards are revised every few years.
* For the last few decades, the depa...
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