As the number of fire deaths rises in North Carolina, Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey has organized a team of firefighters and volunteers to be out in force this weekend to distribute and install free smoke alarms in neighborhoods across the state.
“We want to educate as many people as possible and physically install smoke alarms for them to make sure they have the resources they need to survive a fire,” said Commissioner Causey. “Smoke alarms cut the chances of dying in a home fire in half, but they have to be in proper working condition in order to save your life.”
Smoke Alarm Saturday is an annual one-day, statewide smoke alarm canvassing event designed to bring awareness of the need to have working smoke alarms in homes.
More than 65 fire departments across the state will participate in this year’s Smoke Alarm Saturday on June 3 by going door-to-door to check homes and install new smoke alarms when necessary. Over 6,100 smoke alarms being distributed this weekend will come from Smoke Alarm Canvassing Grants.
State Fire Marshal Mike Causey will personally kick-off Smoke Alarm Saturday by joining firefighters in their canvassing efforts starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 3 at Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire Department at 2239 Bishop Road, Greensboro, NC 27406.
In 2022, there were 151 fire deaths in North Carolina – one of the deadliest years on record. So far in 2023, there have been 63 fire deaths across the state. Most fire fatalities happen between the months of January through May, with 71% being over the age of 50. One of the best tools in the home to prevent injuries and fatalities is to have a working smoke alarm in every level of the home and in every bedroom.
For more information about smoke alarms and fire safety, visit the OSFM website.