Thanks to a donation by the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, the City of Republic’s Fire Department will be able to help more residents stay safe in their homes as part of National Fire Prevention Week (October 9-15).
At the October 10 Republic City Council Meeting (7 pm), the HBA will present the Republic Fire Department with 50 new FamilyGard dual ionization smoke alarms (at a retail value of approximately $500). The alarms include a long-life 9V battery, and they feature test buttons for weekly testing, hinged covers, 85-decibel horns, and audible low battery indicators.
The donation will support Fire Prevention Week activities in Republic including Fire Department representatives canvassing neighborhoods to make certain homes are equipped with working smoke detectors.
Matt Morrow, the HBA’s CEO, said the group’s board of directors approved making such donations to area communities proactively and upon request to promote the effectiveness of working home smoke alarms in saving lives.
“The HBA of Greater Springfield shares the Republic Fire Department’s commitment to expanding access to life-saving smoke alarms,” said Morrow. “Modern building codes require hard-wired smoke detection systems to be installed in all new homes. The requirement – along with other modern building practices and codes – has contributed to a substantial decrease in fire deaths over the last thirty years.” Morrow went on to say that, statistically, building a new home is one of the most fire-safe decisions a person or family can make. “But it is equally important to make sure that older homes – built before smoke detectors were required by code – also have working smoke detectors. These older homes are where the vast majority of residential fire deaths still occur – and they are where our attention should be focused to save lives. Working smoke alarms are proven life-savers. They are the most effective, efficient, and cost-effective method to prevent fire deaths and loss of property.”
The donation is a 100% private-sector initiative (no tax dollars were utilized for the donation). HBA members Meek’s and Metro Appliances and More partnered with the HBA to purchase smoke detectors and batteries to donate to the cause. The detectors will be installed by Fire Department employees. For more information about Department activities and efforts to visit homes and install working smoke alarms, contact Republic Fire Chief Duane Compton, 417.732.3800.