Camden Fire Department Conducts Largest Smoke Alarm Blitz to Date

Another Camden Fire Department “smoke alarm blitz” is underway this summer, with the help of a FEMA Fire Prevention grant that the department was able to secure this year, funding the installation of more than 1,000 new alarms.

 

Camden Fire Department has maintained a viable smoke alarm program since the mid 1980's. The goal is to make sure every home in the department’s service area has the proper number of working smoke alarms. 

 

Beginning two years ago, the department began canvassing neighborhoods to ensure that all homes had up to date, working smoke alarms. With the help of partners, such as the SC Fire Marshall’s Office and American Red Cross in past years, the Camden Fire Department has been able to install nearly 600 new alarms in the Kirkwood and south Camden neighborhoods. 

 

“With the help of the FEMA grant, in the amount of $21,858, we were able to expand the program this year and visit the areas of East Camden, Knights Hill, Cool Springs and Edgewood,” says Assistant Chief Eddie Gardner. “Throughout a total of 251 homes visited, we have installed 933 alarms so far.  We hope to have installed 1400-1500 alarms by the time this ‘smoke alarm blitz’ is complete.”

 

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. According to statistics by the National Fire Protection Association, 96% of all homes have at least one smoke alarm, but most of the time they are installed and forgotten. Smoke alarms expire after 10 years and need to be replaced. 

 

The Camden Fire Department’s goal is to make sure every home has the proper number of working smoke alarms. If you need your smoke alarms checked or you have any questions about fire safety, please call the Camden Fire Department at 803-425-6040.

 

 

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

 

• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.

 

• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.

 

• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

 

• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms.

 

• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

 

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.