City of Bloomington Fire Department Reminds Residents of Availability of Smoke Detectors for Hearing Impaired

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2011

For more information, please contact:
Scott Smith, Fire Prevention Officer, City of Bloomington, 349.3888, smiths@bloomington.in.gov
Jared Schlemmer, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3406, schlemmj@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington, IN - The City of Bloomington Fire Department reminds residents about the availability of smoke detectors for the hearing impaired. The Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office is continuing to request assistance from local fire departments to get the word out about free home smoke detectors for Hoosiers who are deaf or hard of hearing. As of January 3, there are more than 400 detectors that have not yet been spoken for.

The smoke detectors are funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U. S. Department of Homeland Security as part of its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and are installed with the cooperation of local fire departments. The purpose of the Grant Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters against fire and fire-related hazards.

The smoke alarms consist of a wireless smoke detector, strobe light and bed shaker to allow deaf or hard of hearing individuals to be awakened at night or see the strobe light while awake. According to City Fire Prevention Officer Scott Smith, four families have been provided alarms in Monroe County to date. The alarms will be installed in homes by local fire departments free of charge to recipients. The Fire Department also provides regular smoke detectors to city residents who can't afford them. These free alarms can be picked up at Fire Headquarters, 300 E. Fourth St.

"In 2009 there were 3,010 deaths and more than 17,000 reported injuries from fire in the U.S.," Smith said. "Almost two-thirds of home-fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Our goal is to reduce that as much as we possibly can."

Individuals interested in receiving one of these specialized smoke detectors and who cannot afford to purchase one on their own should apply online at www.in.gov/dhs by clicking on "Application for Smoke Alarms." If you are a resident of Bloomington and in need of a regular smoke detector contact Smith at 332-9763.

###