Fire departments could seek grants to prevent older adults’ falls

FEMA would award competitive grants for older adults’ home safety and fall prevention. Paid, volunteer, and mixed fire departments could apply. Congress would need to provide funding; the bill authorizes spending without setting aside money. Applications would need FEMA approval and neutral peer review. Applicants must explain their need for federal help and plans to continue afterward. Each grant would last three years. The authority for the program would expire on September 30, 2036.

Federal grants would cover part of program costs and generally add to existing funding. These requirements would apply to grant applicants and recipients. Grants must add to state, local, or Bureau of Indian Affairs funding. At application, recipients’ fire and emergency response budgets must equal at least 80% of their previous three-year average. For demonstrated economic hardship, FEMA could waive the added-funding rule and waive or reduce the budget and cost-sharing requirements.