FEMA Funds Fire Safety House Calls In Baltimore County

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Officials say Baltimore County has received the most significant federal fire safety grant in years. The nearly $600,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Fire Prevention and Safety Program is intended to prevent fires through a combination of equipment and outreach.

Firefighters from every career station in Baltimore County have identified areas in their districts at risk of fire and carbon monoxide-related issues. Emergency officials will provide walk-through evaluations upon request and offer educational information in these at-risk communities.

Crews will begin canvassing neighborhoods starting Saturday, April 14, according to a statement from Baltimore County. Announcements will go out through social media channels run by Baltimore County public safety officials beforehand, and volunteer stations will be invited to assist.

“Our goal is to help people take charge of their own home fire and CO safety,” Baltimore County Fire Chief Kyrle W. Preis III said in a statement.

The $589,000 FEMA grant will allow Baltimore County to do the following:

• Buy carbon monoxide and smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Print educational materials in several languages
• Distribute smoke/CO alarms to residents who meet criteria and participate in educational program

Theodore and Geraldine Barham of the 3900 block of Zurich Road in Randallstown were the first ones to receive a newly installed smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

"After 32 years in the fire service, I know that prevention and early warning are critical in preventing injury and loss of life," said Baltimore County Council Chair Julian E. Jones Jr., a veteran fire professional, in whose district the Barhams reside. "I enthusiastically support this proactive effort by the county to get modern smoke and CO detectors into homes."

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger also joined local fire officials and Jones for a press conference on April 7 in Randallstown to deliver news of the initiative.

“This grant is going to help us save lives,” Kamenetz said. “Working smoke/CO alarms prevent tragedies, and yet so many families in our communities don’t have them or don’t know how to use them.”

Under the terms of the grant, Baltimore County will contribute 5 percent, or $29,452, toward the program. Federal officials will pay for the $589,000.

"This federal grant will enable local firefighters to make house calls to ensure residents not only have detectors, but that they will work when needed. This is exactly the type of common sense investment in public safety that our constituents expect us to prioritize," Ruppersberger said in a statement. “We know that detectors save lives, but telling people to use them isn’t enough – and we know from experience that installing detectors doesn’t necessarily mean they are working."

Residents who would like fire personnel to visit their homes for fire and safety evaluations may file a request online.

Photo courtesy of Baltimore County government.