Keizer Fire District Uses Grant Money for New Reader Board

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In 2006 the Keizer Fire District received a SAFER grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As part of the grant, money was set aside for volunteer medical benefits and a volunteer fitness program. The money could not be used for the original plan due to problems with the method. An idea was proposed to the SAFER grant committee to use the funds in a different manner such as public education and information.

The committee agreed to the proposed plan as long as the existing grant money was used "wisely and effectively". The decision was made to replace the current reader board with an electronic reader board. The current reader board is weathered, labor intensive and can be limiting in message length. The proposed reader board can carry multiple messages throughout the day, and be changed quickly to address emergency situations such as Amber alerts. The proposed reader board will match the footprint of the present reader board, and match the station design. Chief Cowan stated that the reader board is one of the most simple and effective ways to directly reach out to the community on behalf of the fire district.

Once the new reader board is installed we will be able to post safety messages, public warnings, Amber alerts, community events, fire district events, general information and educational messages.



Author:Keizer Fire District Press Release