KCFD reminds residents to leave fireworks to a pro

In a typical year on Independence Day, there are more fires reported in the U.S. than on any other day of the year, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires.
Since all fireworks are illegal within the city limits of Kansas City, Mo., the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. Kansas City offers a variety of opportunities throughout the area to enjoy fireworks displays in a fun and safe atmosphere, such as the KCRiverfest in Richard L. Berkley Park. So please, leave the fireworks up to the professionals.
The following statistics are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

Nationwide in 2010, fireworks caused:
- More than 15,500 fires, including 1,100 structure fires and 500 vehicle fires. These fires resulted in eight civilian deaths and more than 60 injuries.

- 8,600 injuries that were treated in U.S. hospital emergency room departments.

- Two out of every five victims treated were younger than the age of fifteen (39 percent).

- An estimated $36 million dollars in direct property damage.

The men and women of the Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department want you to have a safe and happy Independence Day.
For more information or media inquiries regarding fireworks, please contact Lew Hendricks, public information officer for the Kansas City, Mo, Fire Department, at 816-784-9172.

June SNA Meeting

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting Monday, June 11th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church.  Hope you can join us!  

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed

   a. Treasurer

   b. Safety

   c. Planning & Development

   d. Program/Events 

   e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook 

   f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation

   g. Membership 

4. Old business

5. New Business 

6. Adjournment

Emergency Home Repair Program to start accepting applications

Eligible Kansas City, Mo., homeowners who are in urgent need of plumbing, electrical, mechanical and limited ADA barrier removal work may apply for the City of Kansas City, Mo., Emergency Home Repair Program.

Applications for the Emergency Home Repair Program are available online by visiting www.kcmo.org/housing and clicking the "Emergency Home Repair Program" link or at the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department's Housing Section office on the 11th floor of City Hall, 414 E. 12th St.

Applications will be accepted through July 31 or until funds have been exhausted.

"This program can help lower-income homeowners who have an urgent repair need such as a furnace repair or replacement during the heating season months or replacing a broken water line going to their house," Housing Section Manager Doug Bossert said.

The Housing Section of the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department administers the Emergency Home Repair Program, Home Weatherization Program, Municipal Court Fund Program (by referral only), Paint Program and other housing rehabilitation and inspection programs.

Eligible applicants are homeowners who own only one property, have not received assistance from this program within the past five years, and meet the following household income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:

One person - $41,100
Two people - $46,950
Three people - $52,800
Four people - $58,650
Five people - $63,350
Six people - $68,050
Seven people - $72,750
Eight people - $77,450

A Community Development Block Grant established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds the Emergency Home Repair Program.

For more information or to request an application, call 816-513-3025.

To fill out an online application, please visit www.kcmo.org/housing and click on the "Emergency Home Repair Program"  link, or you can directly access the application at http://kcmo.org/idc/groups/housing/documents/housing/ocs879231-099073.pdf.

Media inquiries should be directed to Roger Stewart, manager of the Emergency Home Repair Program, at 816-513-3253.