OSHKOSH, WI—The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program’s open application period extends until Friday, March 16. This is the drop-dead date for submitting applications for financial assistance to purchase equipment needed to enhance firefighter and public safety—like Continental ExpressWash® Gear Washers and ExpressDry® Gear Dryers. Continental gear washers and dryers properly clean and dry gear according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines. Using Continental ExpressWash and ExpressDry, fire departments can properly clean and dry soiled turnout gear and reduce firefighter exposure to cancer-causing contaminents.

U.S. firefighters have a greater number of cancer diagnoses, and related deaths for certain types of cancer, when compared to the general U.S. population, according to a 2015 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Cancer prevention is one of the reasons the NFPA recommends properly washing protective gear according to an established set of guidelines.

Continental ExpressWash Washers and ExpressDry Gear Dryers properly clean and dry soiled turnout gear according to NFPA guidelines—returning it to service sooner. Operators simply load, select a program number, press start, and the washer automatically blends optimum water temperatures, water levels, chemicals, extraction speeds, mechanical action and cycle times. ExpressWash Washers are freestanding and can be installed in truck bays, utility rooms, over heated floors, or anywhere there is extra space. They properly clean gear, and in doing so, help protect firefighters from the carcinogens and biohazards found in dirty gear.

ExpressDry Gear Dryers use a 110-volt fan to push ambient air through hanging garments, returning it to service in hours, rather than days. Quick and easy to use, the ExpressDry Gear Dryer adapts to specific types and sizes of gear without turning them inside out. The dryer can simultaneously accommodate up to six suits, along with helmets, gloves, boots, face pieces, and SCBA.

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and first responders obtain equipment needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Because dirty gear can be hazadous to firefighter health, fire departments across the nation purchase ExpressWash and ExpressDry equipment with AFG grants every year.

For more information, visit www.cgilaundry.com.