Flint, Michigan – From August 2023 to the start of January 2024, Flint’s Fire Department put in 1,000 smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in homes for free. They’ve set up more alarms than any other fire team in Michigan, as noted by the State Fire Marshal.
The initiative is part of state’s “Operation Save A Life”
In August 2023, the City of Flint got involved with a big effort across Michigan called “Operation Save A Life,” where they got 665 smoke alarms and 333 carbon monoxide detectors for free. Thanks to how well this went, Michigan is giving Flint Fire Department another 300 to 400 alarms.
People living in Flint can still reach out to the Fire Department at (810) 762-7336 ext. 5102 if they need smoke or carbon monoxide alarms installed at no cost. The department will arrange for firefighters to come over and install the alarms.
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“We are so excited that the whole Fire Department was involved in this effort,” Flint Fire Chief Theron Wiggins said. “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.”
“The Flint Fire Department has done a fantastic job being proactive about saving lives in Flint,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “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.”
In 2023, there were 125 deaths in 112 fires in Michigan. Working smoke alarms double the chance of a successful escape in case of a fire.