Free Smoke Alarms Available To Smithtown Residents

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown residents can have new smoke alarms installed in their homes for free this month through a partnership between the town and the American Red Cross.

Teams of volunteers will visit homes across the Town of Smithtown on Saturday, Sept. 19, as part of the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, town officials said.

There are no age or income restrictions, and all Smithtown residents who register in advance are eligible.

Residents can register at SoundTheAlarm.org/li or by calling 877-733-2767 and selecting Option 5.

Town officials are particularly encouraging senior citizens, people who live alone, residents with limited mobility and households on fixed incomes to participate.

“No resident should go without a working smoke alarm because of cost, mobility or simply not having someone available to help install one,” Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said. “This tremendous partnership with the American Red Cross allows us to bring an essential layer of protection directly into the homes of our residents, absolutely free of charge.”

Wehrheim also encouraged seniors and residents on fixed incomes to register.

“When a home fire occurs, seconds matter, and a working smoke alarm can make all the difference,” he said.

Volunteers from the Smithtown Department of Public Safety, American Red Cross, Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, area volunteer fire departments and local elected officials will participate in the initiative.

Teams will install smoke alarms and provide residents with home fire safety information.

“Every second matters in a home fire,” said Magnolia Chiri, community disaster program manager and volunteer partner for the American Red Cross. “By installing working smoke alarms and providing families with lifesaving fire safety education, we are giving residents the tools, knowledge and time they need to get to safety.”

Smithtown Public Safety Chief Thomas Lohmann said the program can be particularly important for residents who need assistance installing or checking alarms.

“Properly installed smoke detectors save lives every year,” Lohmann said. “The risk of dying in a house fire drops 60 percent when a working smoke alarm is present; that is why this outreach program is so important. If you need a new smoke alarm or simply need help making sure your home is properly protected, we want you to sign up.”

For seniors and residents with mobility challenges, volunteers will come directly to their homes and perform the installation, eliminating the need for residents to purchase equipment or climb a ladder.

The event comes ahead of Fire Prevention Month in October, when residents are encouraged to test existing smoke alarms, replace outdated or nonfunctioning units and make sure their homes have adequate protection.

Bulovas Restorations Inc., a Long Island damage restoration and disaster recovery company, is sponsoring the Sept. 19 event and providing meals for participating volunteers.

How To Register

The free smoke alarm installation program will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, and is open to all Town of Smithtown residents who register in advance.

Residents can register at SoundTheAlarm.org/li or call 877-733-2767 and press Option 5.