Randy R. Bruegman, Fire Chief
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ~ Media contact: Lt. Eric Trapp, (714) 497-5305 mobile
ANAHEIM FIRE & RESCUE TO MAKE HOME SAFETY VISITS TO INSTALL FREE SMOKE ALARMS
American Red Cross, CERT Volunteers and others to assist this Saturday
ANAHEIM, CA (June 24, 2015) – This Saturday Anaheim Fire & Rescue will partner with volunteers from American Red Cross, CERT and the community to install free smoke alarms at a local mobile home park.
“As part of our Community Risk Reduction efforts, we are visiting Sunkist Gardens Mobile Home Park to install free smoke alarms for their residents.” said Fire Marshal Jeff G. Lutz. “In the event of a fire, one may have less than a minute to escape. A working smoke alarm and a practiced escape plan can give you and your loved ones the advantage.”
Every year, thousands of people are injured or die as a result of home fires in the United States; most of whom are in homes without a working smoke alarm. Statistics have proven that homes with older adults or young children are more likely to be affected by this devastating experience.
To ensure that our residents are best prepared, Anaheim Fire & Rescue launched the Home Safety Visit Program last year. Anaheim residents eligible for a home safety visit include those who live in and own their home; income-qualified families; older adults over the age of 65; families with children under the age of 14 and people with disabilities. Residents can visit the department’s website to review the information and request a visit.
During a visit, fire personnel will share information to increase awareness and knowledge about home safety and demonstrate how to test and maintain your smoke alarms. If needed, fire personnel will replace smoke alarms with 10 year batteries. Home assessment and escape planning tools are also available.
Funding for the 1,000 smoke alarms was made possible by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Prevention & Safety grant so there is no cost to any Anaheim resident.
The Home Safety Visit Program is another initiative of the Department’s Community Risk Reduction Plan focused on single family homes which was adopted as part of Anaheim Fire & Rescue’s updated 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. Visit the Department’s website at www.anaheim.net/fire to learn about the Department’s vision and their eight recommendations to continue excellent delivery of fire and emergency services in Anaheim.
###
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
425 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805 | 714-765-1521 Fax: 714-765-1554
A few years back when the smoke alarms were being offered free and installed by the fire department, I missed this and was too late. I have smoke alarms but believe them to be wired. The lights on the alarms are faint and I worry about them needing replacement. My ceilings are very high and I am unable to do this. I live near Weir Canyon and Serrano and was even more concerned after our fire. If you are offering this again, I would love to be included. Thanking you in advance. Sincerely, Faye Ramos