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Flint Fire Department enhances resident safety with 1,000 new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

February 6, 2024

Flint Fire Department’s proactive safety measures

The City of Flint Fire Department has taken a significant step towards improving resident safety by installing 1,000 smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in homes from August 2023 to January 1, 2024.

This initiative positions Flint ahead of other Michigan communities in terms of the number of alarms installed in residents’ homes.

The installations were part of a broader effort involving communities across Michigan, with Flint participating in Operation Save A Life, which provided the initial batch of alarms.

Operation Save A Life and future donations

In August 2023, the Flint Fire Department received a substantial donation of 665 smoke alarms and 333 carbon monoxide alarms through Operation Save A Life.

The success of this initial phase has led to the State of Michigan committing to donate an additional 300-400 alarms to support the department’s ongoing efforts.

Flint residents are encouraged to contact the Flint Fire Department to arrange for free installation of these life-saving devices, furthering the reach and impact of this important initiative.

Community impact and leadership remarks

The initiative has been widely praised, with Mayor Sheldon Neeley commending the Flint Fire Department for its proactive stance on fire prevention and safety: “The Flint Fire Department has done a fantastic job being proactive about saving lives in Flint.

“It is truly outstanding that our firefighters were able to install 1,000 detectors in a matter of a few short months.

“They are not only responding to fires but also educating residents and helping save lives through fire prevention and safety.”

Flint Fire Chief Theron Wiggins also highlighted the collective effort of the department: “We are so excited that the whole Fire Department was involved in this effort.

“It has never happened before that the whole crew of the Fire Department was engaged in putting smoke detectors in homes.

“I’m thankful for our firefighters who were so willing to engage, and because of their effort, we have put more smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in homes than any fire department in the state of Michigan.”

In 2023, Michigan reported 125 deaths in 112 fires, underscoring the critical importance of working smoke alarms in improving the chances of a successful escape in the event of a fire.

FSJA Comment

The Flint Fire Department’s initiative to install 1,000 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in residents’ homes highlights a proactive approach to community safety.

By leveraging donations from Operation Save A Life and subsequent support from the State of Michigan, the department has not only increased the safety of Flint residents but has also set a benchmark for fire departments across the state.

The initiative reflects an important shift towards preventative measures in fire safety, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and education in reducing the risk of fire-related incidents.

The collective effort of the Flint Fire Department and its firefighters demonstrates a commendable commitment to ensuring the well-being of their community, serving as a model for other departments to follow.

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