Free Smoke Detectors For Foley Area Residents

(KNSI) – People living in the Foley area can get their smoke detectors inspected and replaced for free.

The American Red Cross of Central Minnesota has teamed up with the Foley Fire Department to bring back the Sound the Alarm Program. The event is on September 17th. Red Cross Volunteer and board member Mike Hofmann explained how the program works.

“There are no income requirements. If people need smoke detectors, we are there to install smoke detectors. We have found that in the past where people have had smoke detectors that are over 20 years old, or they’ve had smoke detectors with no batteries in them. We’ll check their alarms, and if they’re older than five years old, we will put new smoke alarms up. If the batteries are bad and they are under five years old, We’ll just put new batteries in. The batteries we use have a 10-year battery life.”

He says they can replace the battery-operated smoke detectors but cannot replace smoke detectors wired into the home.

This will be the second time the Red Cross has held the event. Two years ago, they went to 50 homes and installed 150 alarms. Firefighters say since 2014, smoke detectors have saved at least 1,148 lives nationwide.

Officials will also complete a fire safety checklist and escape plan with the homeowner. If you live in the Foley area and would like a smoke alarm, call 320-968-7260. The Foley Fire Department covers the Cities of Foley and Gilman along with Glendorado, Saint George, Maywood, Gilmanton, Eastern Mayhew Lake, Alberta and Granite Ledge Townships in Benton County. The district also covers Lakin and Southern Morrill Townships in Morrison County.

Outside of Foley, dial 320-251-7641.

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