Two fire departments recently joined forces for a proactive event to help homeowners protect their property from fire.
Jasper County Fire Rescue, in partnership with the City of Hardeeville, conducted a community smoke alarm installation effort Sept. 25 in neighborhoods around Hardeeville, officials said.
“Fire personnel worked throughout the Blue Heron, Sandpiper and Marsh Hen areas, installing smoke alarms and helping residents improve fire safety in their homes,” Jasper County Public Information Officer Christian Felt said.
Teams began at the remote ends of the designated roads, Felt said and worked toward Marsh Hen Drive. He said a command post was established at the intersection of Spartina Drive and Marsh Hen Drive.
“JCFR provided personnel
and equipment for the effort, while the City of Hardeeville provided a team to assist,” Felt said.
The smoke alarms for the event were furnished by the State Fire Marshal's Office and the American Red Cross.
“It was great meeting so many residents, sharing a few fire safety tips, and helping make homes a little safer,” a JCFR spokesperson said. “Thank you to everyone who welcomed us into their homes with such kindness and the Hardeeville Fire Department for sending a crew to lend a hand.”
Other agencies throughout the lowcountry have also conducted smoke alarm installations for residents.
Smoke alarm information
Installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of a home, including the basement, is a fire safety precaution advised by the United States Fire Administration.
The USFA also recommends testing the smoke alarms monthly, replacing the batteries at least once every year and replacing the smoke alarm itself every 10 years.
“Residents could have less than two minutes to escape a home fire once the smoke alarm sounds,” a USFA spokesperson said. “In the event of a home fire, every second counts.”
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Free smoke alarm effort helps Hardeeville residents stay safer
