For over two decades, a coordinated effort between Wooster, OH Local 764 and the city has helped reduce home fire risks through an annual smoke detector drive. The program returns this year on Oct. 31, offering residents a chance to have their alarms tested and updated, free of charge. “We do it once a year on the last weekend in October,” said Local 764’s Ryan Wells. “Residents of our city can call in and request battery exchanges.”
The program’s strength lies in its efficiency and collaboration. The city handles incoming requests from residents and provides the necessary batteries. Members of Local 764 then plan their routes and visit homes to inspect smoke detectors, replace batteries, and ensure each home is equipped with working, life-saving equipment off-duty.
The effort also reflects a positive example of labor-management cooperation.“This is one issue where both parties agree the task at hand is important,” said Wells.
The program is vital for elderly residents, who make up the majority of requests and are often unable to safely reach or check the detectors themselves.
“Mainly the people that call in or request this are elderly populations, and they are so grateful when we arrive. They love seeing us out making a presence and doing service for them,” said Wells adding, “We could think of it as a community risk reduction concept when we’re going out and doing this for them, because if we don’t, they could try to do it on their own and potentially harm themselves.”
In many cases, these visits uncover other needs ranging from fall risk to lack of other safety equipment, opening the door to additional support and referrals.
“During these events, our presence allows our citizens to ask questions and bring up other issues they may be facing. An example of this would be wearable fall buttons, which our community hospital provides. I have found they feel more comfortable during these times because we are in the comfort of their own homes, and often on a 1-1 basis,” said Wells.
Local 764 members continue to go above and beyond in service to their community. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, installing or checking smoke detectors, or helping residents understand fire prevention, our Locals work every day to make our communities safer places to live. There’s no one more qualified to educate the public about fire safety than fire fighters.
8th District Vice President Mark Sanders
The impact is supported by national data. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 60%, and three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms, or no working smoke alarms.
More than one-third of fatal home fires have no smoke alarms installed at all.
Properly installed and maintained alarms save lives by giving early warning, often with critical seconds needed to escape. That’s why Local 764 also connects residents with Red Cross partners if their devices are outdated or nonfunctional.
“Local 764 members continue to go above and beyond in service to their community. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, installing or checking smoke detectors, or helping residents understand fire prevention, our Locals work every day to make our communities safer places to live. There’s no one more qualified to educate the public about fire safety than fire fighters,” said 8th District Vice President Mark Sanders.
Here are a few smoke detector tips from the IAFF:
- Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside of each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Keep alarms away from windows, vents, and have fans where drafts could affect their performance.
- Test alarms monthly using test buttons.
- Replace batteries once a year or immediately if the alarm chirps.
For more fire safety tips, visit the link here.
