October is Fire Prevention Month in Michigan. In 2022 alone, 132 Michigan residents were killed in fires. The most common causes of fires in Michigan are smoking and cooking. One of the best things you can do to prevent injuries due to fires is to have a smoke detector in every room of your home. About three out of five deaths due fire happen in homes that do not have smoke detectors. Having a working smoke detector in your home reduces the risk of death during a fire by nearly 50%. Today on the blog we’re going to go over basic fire safety tips and explore community resources to help make your home safer.
Fire Safety Tips
- Smoke Detectors
- Install smoke detectors inside every room and outside each sleeping area.
- Make sure you test your smoke detectors regularly. Some experts suggest testing once per month.
- Use interconnected smoke detectors if possible- if one is triggered, they’ll all sound.
- Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
- If you have vision or hearing impairments, there are other options, such as smoke detectors with LED strobe lights or alarms that shake your bed. Contact the Red Cross to see if they have these alternatives available.
- Fire Extinguishers
- When using a fire extinguisher, PASS– Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
- Click here for a Home Fire Safety Checklist via MI Prevention
- Call 911 immediately if there’s a fire in your home!
Free Home Fire Safety Inspections
- Ypsilanti Fire Department (734) 482-9779
- Call the department to make an appointment.
- Appointments last up to 30 minutes.
Free Smoke Detector Programs
- American Red Cross (734) 971-5300, Ext. 229
- Can test existing smoke alarms and install up to three free smoke alarms for those that need them. Fill out the form on their website.
- CSSW Home Maintenance & Safety Services (734) 97109781, Ext. 352
- Can install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- No cost, but donations appreciated.
- Chelsea Fire Authority (734) 475-8755
- Can install smoke detectors.
- Can also supply smoke detectors free of cost.
- Also offer free carbon monoxide detectors.
- Email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
- Homeowners must fill out a form prior to receiving smoke detectors.
- Dexter Area Fire Department (734) 426-4500
- Will install 10-year life expectancy alarms. Do not install hard-wired detectors.
- Milan Area Fire Department (734) 39-2843
- Offers free smoke detectors.
- Also offer free carbon monoxide detectors.
- Email Kyle at [email protected] for more information.
- Northfield Township Fire Department (734) 449-2385
- Can install smoke detectors.
- Can also supply smoke detectors free of cost.
- Homeowners must fill out an online form, which can be found here.
- Pittsfield Township Fire Department (734) 822-4926
- Can supply smoke detectors free of cost to residents that live in single family dwellings.
- Call the Fire Chief with questions or to schedule an appointment.
- Saline Area Fire Department (734) 429-4440
- Can install smoke detectors.
- Can also supply a limited number of smoke detectors free of cost.
- Call the fire department for more information.
- Ypsilanti Township Fire Department (734) 544-4225
- Can provide two 10-year lithium powered smoke detectors for residents in need.
- Fill out online form here.
- Carpet Guys (877) 620-6595
- Offer smoke detectors free of charge in partnership with the Red Cross.
- Headquartered in Troy, MI.
- Fill out online form here.
Reflective Address Sign Programs
Some cities and townships offer free programs to update address signs. These updated signs make it easier to find a home, which is important when every second counts in an emergency, such as a fire.
- Chelsea Fire Authority (734) 475-8755
- Cost: $20
- Signs are available in Blue, Green, or Red. You can get it with yellow or white numbers.
- Fill out the online order form here.
- Dexter Area Fire Department (734) 426-4500
- Cost: $20
- Fill out online order form here.
- Manchester Township Fire Department (734) 428-7090
- Cost: $20
- Fill out the online form here.
- Saline Fire Department (734) 429-4440
- Cost: $20
- Call the fire department to place an order (Checks can me made out to SPFFU L-5119).
Knox Box
According to their website, “Knox Residential Boxes are high security key safes that are trusted and supported by your local fire department. They provide first responders access to your home in emergencies when people inside are unable to open the door or are not in the house.” Keys are usually given to the local fire department.
- Cost: Around $200
- Purchasing: They can only be purchased directly from the Knox website.
- Note: Chelsea Area Fire Authority offers a low-cost alternative key box (around $40). Fill out the online form here to order a box for your home.
- If you have questions about Knox Boxes, contact your local fire department or contact the company directly at (800) 552-5669.
