Alert - assistance for local emergency response training provides funding for non-profit organizations capable of delivering direct or remote web-based training to emergency responders

The Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration awarded $250,000 to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Inc., on October 1, 2025, under the Interagency Hazardous Materials Public Sector Training and Planning Grants program (CFDA 20.703), specifically the Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) component.

IAFC will develop and deliver a web-based Hazmat Basic Monitors and Meters course to train 1,000 participants and an online rail training course reaching an additional 1,500 individuals, with modules covering flammable gas and lithium-ion battery transportation safety. The organization will also support a focused summit of railroad hazmat thought leaders and pilot a new course funded through a separate PHMSA grant. These activities target improved first responder training and enhanced safety in transportation of crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids, with web-based training providing nationwide benefit potential while primarily serving the grantee's local area.

Place of performance is McLean, Virginia. The period of performance runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. No sub-recipients are identified on this award.

Deliverables/expected outcomes: improved 1ST responder training, and in particular, enhanced safety in transportation of crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids. Intended beneficiary: grantee local area; web-based training may have nationwide benefits subrecipient activities: no known subrecipients. Funding for the international association of fire chiefs $250,000 for the alert grant. Iafc proposes to develop and deliver a web-based hazmat basic monitors and meters course to train 1,000 participants. An additional 1,500 individuals will receive training through an online rail training course that includes modules on flammable gas and lithium-ION batteries. Iafc also intends to support the focused summit of railroad hazmat thought leaders and pilot a new course that is being funded through another phmsa grant.