Overview

Smoke Alarm Project

Goal

To reach high risk target groups and reduce the incidence of injury and death.  These populations include:

*Families with children                                                  *Seniors

*Low socio-economic citizens and neighborhoods         *Hispanic population

*International students                                                   *Firefighters

Process

* Install 1,000 free smoke alarms, including smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing.  Several door-to-door ‘blitz’ campaigns will occur throughout the grant period.

* Install batteries in homes where there is a smoke alarm, but it is not operational due to  no battery.

* Conduct a fire-safety media campaign with three main messages:

1.       Have a working smoke alarm and test its operation regularly.

2.      Have a fire escape plan;  teach the children;  practice, practice, practice.

3.      Utilize good home safety practices, such as heater safety, cooking safety, electrical safety and candle-burning safety.

* Conduct a fire education campaign – Educational sessions will be presented by the Fire Departments to children, parents, seniors, landlord/property owners, citizens in high fire-risk neighborhoods, and international students.

* 2-1-1 will be the number to call to check eligibility and register to receive a free smoke alarm.

Community Benefits

* Project provides smoke alarm protection for many of our residents who could not otherwise afford this protection.

* This is a partnership between United Way, City of College Station Fire Department and City of Bryan Fire Department, allowing comprehensive coverage for both cities.

* The community will be educated or reminded about fire safety practices and fire prevention through the media campaign, as well as educational sessions.

* 2-1-1 will serve as the focal point for information, freeing up the fire departments to conduct the primary work on the project:  installing smoke alarms and conducting fire education safety.