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Report regarding a resolution accepting a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant in the amount of $6,342.60 for reimbursement of personal protective equipment (PPE) costs associated with the Fire Department’s COVID-19 response and approving budget amendment 21-013 amending the Fire Department operating budget in the amount of $6,342.60. (Jesus Magallanes, Fire Chief)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution accepting a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant in the amount of $6,342.60 for reimbursement of personal protective equipment (PPE) costs associated with the Fire Department’s COVID-19 response and approving budget amendment 21-013 amending the Fire Department operating budget in the amount of $6,342.60.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Fire Department recommends accepting the 2020 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters COVID Supplemental Grant to reimburse for the cost of reusable respiratory protection equipment. This equipment was purchased in April of this year as part of the Fire Department’s effort to provide all members with adequate and sustainable PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. These grant funds will reimburse the City for the purchase of 93 Sundstrom P100 Respirators.
During the first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic, securing adequate PPE proved very difficult. This difficulty included sourcing adequate respiratory protection identified for use when caring for COVID-19 patients. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identified N95 rated masks appropriate for health care providers to utilize when providing care for COVID-19 patients. Sourcing sufficient stock of N95 masks was severe enough of a challenge that the CDC provided guidance for mask reuse by medical professionals.
In March of this year, Fire Department staff identified Sundstrom P100 Respirators as a sustainable solution for respiratory protection that exceeds CDC guidelines for COVID-19 related responses by medical professionals. These respirators are reusable and provide greater protection than a N95 mask. This product includes sufficient filters to allow for 180 days of use with little maintenance. The filters are replaceable and we can expect 5 years of service life from the units.
Sundstrom P100 Respirator units have been purchased for all Fire Suppression and Fire Prevention personnel. This brand is utilized by numerous fire departments within San Mateo County and is familiar to our personnel who participate on the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force as it is also utilized by that organization. Little training is needed to ensure our members can safely operate with the Sundstrom P100 Respirators.
With the acquisition of this new respiratory protection, the Fire Department is well prepared for the continued, prolonged approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. These units will provide lasting protection and will insulate the department from future PPE shortages like the one that impacted the nation in Spring.
After purchasing the Sundstrom P100 Respirators, the department was made aware of a new funding source that provided reimbursement monies to fire departments for COVID-19 PPE. This source was through FEMA and included respiratory protection. The Fire Department applied for the funding and was successful in obtaining a grant for 90% of the total purchase price for 93 Sundstrom P100 Respirators.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FEMA grant award provides $6,342.60 in funds to reimburse 90% of the Sundstrom P100 Respirator costs. The remaining $634.30 or 10% of the cost is the responsibility of the City of South San Francisco. The total purchase amount of $6,976.90 was expended from the Fire Department’s current operating budget and these funds will replace that expenditure.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
This request is in alignment with Priority #3, Public Safety; skilled police, fire, emergency medical and disaster management programs.
CONCLUSION
Fire Department staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution accepting a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant in the amount of $6,342.60 for reimbursement of personal protective equipment (PPE) costs associated with the Fire Department’s COVID-19 response and approving budget amendment 21-013 amending the Fire Department operating budget in the amount of $6,342.60. By authorizing the grant acceptance, the City of South San Francisco will receive additional reimbursement for costs associated with providing our Fire Department personnel with appropriate respiratory protection during the COVID-19 pandemic response.