Photo: Volunteers and firefighters installed free smoke alarms in Prescott Valley, AZ, residences
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, volunteers and firefighters from the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) dedicated their morning to installing smoke alarms as part of the Prescott Valley Community Smoke Alarm Walk, a collaboration between the Arizona Burn Foundation, Red Cross of Arizona, and CAFMA.
Through the combined efforts of volunteers and CAFMA firefighters, 48 smoke alarms were installed in 21 homes, and 63 residents were educated in smoke alarm and fire escape plan safety.
Smoke alarm initiatives such as this one aim to increase the safety of vulnerable residents in high-risk neighborhoods by offering free smoke alarms and alarm installation services. CAFMA’s Prevention team strategically selects target neighborhoods where the smoke alarm walks can have the greatest impact, ensuring the effort benefits those most in need.
“Our volunteers came across a number of inactive smoke alarms during the walk, so don’t delay, test your smoke alarms today and set a reminder to test all alarms once a month,” said CAFMA Fire Marshal Darrell Tirpak. “If your smoke alarm uses batteries, change them out at least once per year. I recommend every Thanksgiving as it’s an easy date to remember but choose what works for you and your family.”
CAFMA will continue working with the Arizona Burn Foundation and Red Cross to plan future Community Smoke Alarm Walks for neighborhoods in Chino Valley, Dewey- Humboldt, and Prescott Valley.
CAFMA extends its gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who contributed their time and efforts to support the community of Prescott Valley and offers a special thanks to Impact Fire for generously providing lunch for the volunteers.
SMOKE ALARM SAFETY:
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each sleeping area
- Install alarms on every level of the house
- Avoid installing alarms in the kitchen and bathrooms (to reduce false alarms).
- Test smoke alarms once a month
- Dust smoke alarms
- Replace the entire smoke alarm every 8 – 10 years
- Know two ways out of every room in your home
- Create a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year
- If the alarm sounds, immediately go outside and stay outside
- Alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers are available for those who are hard-of hearing or deaf
- Learn more here: https://azburn.org/advocacy-and-education/hard- of-hearing-smoke-alarm-program/
