Free Smoke Alarm Installations Offered to Fairfield Residents
HUNTINGTON – The City of Huntington, Huntington Fire Department, West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office and the American Red Cross are teaming up to offer a free smoke alarm installation program to residents of the city’s Fairfield neighborhood this summer.
From 2015 to 2019, West Virginia had the second-highest rate of fire deaths per capita across the country, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In Huntington, there have been two fires since 2016 that have each claimed three or more lives. Both of those fires occurred in Fairfield.
Working smoke alarms, however, can cut the risk of death from home fires in half, according to the NFPA.
From 1 to 4 p.m. on June 22, members of the Marshall University football team will assist officials from the Huntington Fire Department, State Fire Marshal’s Office and Red Cross as they install free smoke alarms in homes of Fairfield residents who have registered for the installation program.
Fairfield residents can register by calling 304-250-9001 and leaving their name, contact information and full address or by visiting soundthealarm.org. Renters and homeowners are eligible for the installation program, and no pre-inspection of homes is required. The smoke alarms that will be installed on June 22 are free and have a 10-year battery life.
“I am proud to see how this multi-agency partnership has come together to improve safety for our residents and reduce the risk of injury from home fires,” Mayor Steve Williams said. “We also are working with various community stakeholders in Fairfield – City Council members, pastors, schools, community centers, senior centers and community organizations – to help spread the word about this free program.”