Nova Scotia is increasing the amount of money first responders can get to help buy equipment.
The province says the fund is increasing to $4 million.
This means each individual organization like fire departments, ground search and rescue teams as well as hazardous materials units can apply for up to $30,000, every two years instead of three.
That’s an increase of $20.000 from 2024.
Examples of eligible purchases by individual organizations include:
– personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
– equipment for:
– firefighting
– communication
– rescue
– water supply and suppression
– hazardous materials
– emergency power for buildings.
The fund will also cover up to 90 per cent of costs, up from 75 per cent, with applications open from June 15 to July 30.
In addition, there is a new regional category, with up to $200,000 available with applications open from September 1 to October 14.
Examples of eligible purchases through the regional fund include:
– major equipment and specialized vehicles and trailers
– regional training facilities
– shared equipment pool (self-contained breathing apparatus, drones, rope or swift water kits, remote rescue kits)
– regional mobile command unit
– multi-purpose utility terrain vehicles, all–terrain vehicles for wildland and search and rescue missions
– regional hazard and vulnerability analysis, regional risk reduction strategies and public education projects
– regional exercise and training programs
– regional FireSmart program enhancements
– mental health resiliency programs.
