NEWS

Mayor, firefighters to give away 200 smoke detectors this Saturday

By JOHN HOWELL
Posted 10/22/20

Mayor Joseph J. Solomon and the Warwick Fire Department, in cooperation with the Warwick Fire Fighters Local 2748, are reminding the community of the importance of smoke detectors by distributing free smoke detectors to Warwick residents on Saturday,

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NEWS

Mayor, firefighters to give away 200 smoke detectors this Saturday

Posted

Mayor Joseph J. Solomon and the Warwick Fire Department, in cooperation with the Warwick Fire Fighters Local 2748, are reminding the community of the importance of smoke detectors by distributing free smoke detectors to Warwick residents on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in front of the Warwick Fire Department Headquarters at 111 Veterans Memorial Drive. Approximately 200 smoke detectors will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. 

“Smoke detectors save lives. My priority has always been keeping our residents safe, and smoke detectors are a key part of a family’s home safety plan,” said Solomon. “Our Warwick first responders truly care about our community and are always looking for ways to be involved and give back. I’m very thankful to the Warwick Fire Department and its members for their generosity in ensuring that free smoke detectors are available for our residents.”

Michael Carreiro, president of IAFF Local 2748, said that because the union and department is unable to hold its annual fire safety day because of the pandemic they decided to contribute to the purchase of the detectors. He said the department has also received some donations of detectors and he believed the city was providing some as well. Depending on the detector, he put the cost at between $15 and $30 each.

To participate in Saturday’s smoke detector giveaway, Warwick residents may simply drive up in front of the fire station apparatus doors to receive their free smoke detectors, without even having to get out of the vehicle. COVID-19 precautions will be observed and all participants are asked to wear a mask or cloth face covering.

“In a fire, every second counts, and having a working smoke detector in a home will drastically improve the odds of families getting out safely. It’s the number one thing you can do to prevent a tragedy,” said Warwick Fire Chief Peter McMichael in a press release. “If this giveaway helps to save even one life, then it’s well worth it.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. During a house fire, smoke spreads quickly. A working smoke alarm gives residents early detection so they can escape. 

Mayor Solomon and the Warwick Fire Department share the following fire safety tips:

l Install smoke detectors outside every bedroom and sleeping area, and on every level of a home, including in the basement.

l Test all of your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries every six months. A helpful rule of thumb is to replace all smoke detector batteries at Daylight Saving time, which is coming up on November 1.

l Smoke detectors should be installed on the ceiling or high on a wall.

l Develop a fire safety plan with your family. Go through your home and determine two methods of exit from each room. Choose a meeting spot outside that’s a safe distance from your home.

l If a fire occurs in your home, get out as quickly as possible. Call for help, and stay out until emergency responders tell you it’s safe to go back inside your home.

smoke detectors, WFD, mayor

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