submitted by Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA)
On Saturday, Oct. 5, volunteers dedicated their morning to installing smoke alarms as part of the Dewey-Humboldt Community Smoke Alarm Walk, a collaboration between the Arizona Burn Foundation, Red Cross of Arizona, and the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA).
Volunteers installed 32 smoke alarms in 10 homes, and 25 residents were educated in smoke alarm and fire escape plan safety.
Smoke alarm initiatives like 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 Fire Prevention team strategically selects target neighborhoods where the smoke alarm walks can have the greatest impact, ensuring the effort benefits those most in need.
“During every smoke alarm walk, we find homes with no alarms at all and many with inactive ones. Please take a moment to test your smoke alarms today, and set a reminder to test them monthly,” said CAFMA Fire Marshal Darrell Tirpak. “If your smoke alarm runs on batteries, make sure to replace them at least once a year. A helpful reminder is to do it around Thanksgiving, but feel free to pick a date that works best for you and your family.”
CAFMA looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the Arizona Burn Foundation and the Red Cross to plan future Community 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 Red Cross of Arizona, and the dedicated volunteers who generously gave their time and effort to support the Dewey-Humboldt community.
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 deaf.
Learn more at www.azburn.org/advocacy-and-education/community-smoke-alarm.
