Elkins Fire Department Offering Free Smoke Detectors

Elkins W. Va., March 7, 2024: With Daylight Savings approaching on Sunday, March 10, the Elkins Fire Department recommends that residents change the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

It is estimated that more than 2,000 people die each year from unintentional home fires and more than 400 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning, also know as the “Invisible Killer” because it is hard to see and smell. Make sure that alarms are functioning properly by testing them each month and changing them out every 10 years. Also, create a fire escape plan for your household and practice it with your family in case of an emergency.

Don’t have an alarm or would like a new one installed, FREE OF COST?

The Elkins Fire Department is providing smoke alarms in homes at no cost to residents, under a grant program of the West Virginia State Fire Marshal, to help more families gain access to these life-saving devices.

To schedule your smoke alarm installation, contact the Elkins Fire Station. Your address and a valid phone number are required to secure your detector.

Quantities are limited, so get in touch today!

Contact the Elkins Fire Department at (304) 636-3433 or email shimes@cityofelkinswv.com.

Here is what the West Virginia Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends:

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside, and stay outside.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
• If possible, get smoke alarms that are interconnected, meaning, when one sounds, they all sound.
• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of alarms in the home.

For the Elkins Fire Department visit:
https://cityofelkinswv.com/departments/public-safety/fire-department/

For the West Virginia Office of the State Fire Marshal visit:
https://firemarshal.wv.gov/