Local Fire Departments Help Ensure Access To Smoke Alarms

(KNSI) – Smoke alarms are the focus of Fire Prevention Week, which runs through Sunday.

The St. Cloud Fire Department makes it a priority year-round to ensure people have access to the potentially life-saving devices by taking part in the American Red Cross’s Sound the Alarm campaign. Fire Marshall Brian Kiffmeyer says Fire Prevention Week, with its theme “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”, is the perfect time to remind people they can apply directly through the department to get their device.

“We work with the Red Cross, which has a smoke alarm program, and we will work alongside them and so we do keep a stock of smoke alarms here. And if anybody is in need of new smoke alarms, they can reach out to our office or here right at the fire department.”

The Red Cross has a volunteer pool which will come out to your residence and put in the devices. They also create customized fire escape plans. The organization relies on local departments to aid in the effort.

Kiffmeyer says the SCPD is happy to assist. “We can even send out a crew to help install them if they aren’t able to install them themselves.”

Learn more about the American Red Cross initiative here.

Kiffmeyer lists best practices for maintaining your smoke alarm. They include monthly testing, yearly battery changes, and replacement every decade.

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