Photo: The volunteers
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, volunteers dedicated their morning to installing smoke alarms as part of the CAFMA Community Smoke Alarm Walk, a collaboration between the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA), the Arizona Burn Foundation, and the American Red Cross of Arizona.
Volunteers installed 25 standard smoke alarms and one deaf and hard of hearing alarm system in 11 homes, and 15 residents were educated in smoke alarm and fire escape plan safety.
Initiatives like this aim to enhance safety for vulnerable residents in high-risk neighborhoods by providing free smoke alarms and installation services. CAFMA’s Fire Prevention team carefully identifies target neighborhoods where smoke alarm walks will have the greatest impact, ensuring those most in need receive assistance.
“Every smoke alarm walk reveals homes without working alarms, putting families at risk,” said CAFMA Fire Marshal Darrell Tirpak. “Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work. Test yours today, set a monthly reminder, and make sure you have a smoke alarm installed outside every sleeping area for maximum protection.”
CAFMA looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the Arizona Burn Foundation and the Red Cross to plan future Smoke Alarm Walks in the neighborhoods of Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, and Prescott Valley. The organization extends their sincere gratitude to the Arizona Burn Foundation, the American Red Cross of Arizona, and the dedicated volunteers who generously gave their time and effort to support the Prescott community. A special thank you to Impact Fire for providing breakfast and to the Pine Lakes Community for providing lunch, making sure everyone stayed fueled throughout the event.
SMOKE ALARM SAFETY:
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each sleeping area
- Install alarms on every level of the home
- Avoid installing alarms in the kitchen and bathrooms (to reduce false alarms).
- Test smoke alarms once a month
- Dust smoke alarms regularly
- 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 Learn more here: https://azburn.org/advocacy-and-education/hard- of-hearing-smoke-alarm-program/
____
ABOUT CAFMA
The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) provides emergency services and all hazards response for 369 square miles of Yavapai County, Arizona, including the towns of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, areas of Paulden, and outlying areas of Prescott.
