Smoke Detector Installation program has successful kickoff
On Saturday, July 8, 2017 the Lawrence County Fire Departments came together in coordination with the Eastern Chapter of the American Red Cross to install new smoke detectors to households in Lawrence Co. Their goal is to reduce fire fatalities and injuries by 25% across the country.
Michael Woods, Lawrence Co. Director of Emergency Management, has worked with the American Red Cross for over a year now on the program. This planning and preparation definitely made the project a success in Lawrence Co.
“After numerous meetings we agreed on July 8th, 2017 to be the kickoff for the Lawrence County program” Woods said. “At that time we began coordinating with each of the fire departments within the county to get the word out and to help with the installation of the detectors. Our initial goal was to be able to install at least 200 detectors on July 8th. We were able to meet and exceed that number by installing over 300 yesterday and we have approximately 300 additional request for smoke alarms.”
The Red Cross will continue to send 25-50 alarms each month to be installed as long as the need in the county exists.
“This program is totally free and does not require any out of pocket expense by the resident, Woods added. “It seems that at least half of the homes in our county were without any working smoke alarms and approximately 75% of the homes don’t have adequate smoke detector coverage.”
Over the next few days the various Fire Departments within the County will install smoke alarms to each resident that has requested them and new orders will also be taken. These alarms are 10 year alarms and does not require a battery change during that time. . Anyone still in need of a smoke alarm can contact the Lawrence Co. Ky Emergency Management FB page, email Michael Woods at lawcokyem@gmail.com or they can text/call 16066245787.
Have a plan in place for your family. Practice your escape plan with your children ensuring that everyone in your home knows exactly what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.
Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of dying in a fire.
