Firefighters introduce smoke-alarm program

Staff report

WARREN

Several fires over the past year, one of them said to be the deadliest in the city’s history, have prompted Warren firefighters to introduce a program that will use citizen donations to place smoke alarms in at-risk homes.

Fire Lt. Chuck Eggleston announced the fundraising effort, pointing to the fact that a common theme in the tragedies is the lack of a working smoke alarm. Often, young children and senior citizens are among the victims.

“Firefighters are devastated when we do not have ample time responding to a call,” Eggleston said. “Notification of a potential tragedy in a timely manner would certainly help prevent such senseless loss of life and property.”

Playing off the word “salsa,” Warren firefighters have used this acronym to describe the effort: “Save-A-Life Smoke Alarm” initiative. The firefighters will use donations from individuals and businesses to “adopt” families to receive free smoke alarms, which would be installed through the help of community volunteers.

“Warren city firefighters will distribute smoke alarm applications throughout the community. We will then collect these applications and match low-income families in need of smoke alarms with individuals or businesses who would agree to make a donation of $45,” Eggleston said. This donation would provide three tamper-resistant smoke alarms that will contain a battery designed to operate the smoke alarm for up to 10 years.

“After we match the families, volunteers from collaborating non-profit agencies will properly install the smoke alarms in their homes.”

Partners in the program are the Area Agency on Aging 11, Trumbull Mobile Meals, Warren WIC, SCOPE, the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board, the county’s Office of Elderly Affairs, Safe Kids Mahoning Valley, Red Cross Trumbull Chapter, Warren City Schools, United Way of Trumbull County, Trumbull Community Action Program, the Trumbull County Sheriff Senior Service Unit and Rubenstein Associates.

Eggleston said he believes it’s the first program of its kind, and he’s begun seeking donors.

“If you or someone you know would like to help save lives in our community, please contact the Warren Fire Department to sign up,” he said.

The contact number is 330-774-3951.