Severe Weather Emergency

Significant snow accumulation began in the Pittsburgh area and Munhall Bureau of Fire stations were called to standby. The state, county, and borough have all declared emergencies. Crews from #5 spent the evening and earlier morning hours assisting motorists, handling wires down, and removing fallen trees from roadways. We are able to staff the station with anywhere between 12-15 members. As this is being reported, we are are still standing by. There are reports that this is one of the most severe storms to hit the area in a while, with accumulations of 1-2 feet.

LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT RECIEVES $46,550 THROUGH FEMA’S FY 2009 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM

(Munhall, Pa) - Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $46,550 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Munhall Volunteer Fire Company #5.

Nationally, the AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide approximately $565 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country.

AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards.  The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

“The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program has been instrumental in building capacity and providing needed resources for our nation’s firefighters,” said FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison. Munhall VFC #5 will be purchasing a new Thermal Imaging Camera, which can help firefighters see through smoke and rescue victims faster, and also a new breathing air compressor and fill station to replenish breathing apparatus quickly and safely.

“This grant allows us to replace older and outdated equipment. And without the help of this program, we wouldn’t be able to fund this project ourselves” said Tony Zoroya, Captain. “In an economy with tighter and reduced budgets, we’re fortunate to obtain federal funding that allows us to better serve not only the Munhall Bureau of Fire, but more importantly, the residents themselves.”

Since 2004, AFG has provided over $3 billion in grants to fire departments and first responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles and fire prevention activities.  AFG is administered cooperatively by two FEMA components:  the National Preparedness Directorate and the United States Fire Administration.