Smoke alarms find new homes

The Northshore Fire Department is conducting a pilot program to install 100 smoke alarms in three mobile home parks in the fire district.

The ten-year lithium battery smoke alarms were provided through a grant from the Washington State Department of Health. Statistics have shown that residents of mobile homes have an increased risk of death and injury from fire.

In addition, the Northshore Fire Department will provide fire safety materials, including appropriate materials for non-English speaking residents. The smoke alarms will be installed by fire department personnel and volunteers. Volunteer interpreters will also be available to assist with the non-English speaking residents.

The Northshore Fire Department hopes to extend this program to other mobile home parks in the future.

Smoke alarms save lives. Be sure to install smoke alarms on every level in your home, test them monthly and replace the battery every year (unless it is a 10-year lithium battery). It is recommended that smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years.