Norristown To Hold 'Smoke Detector Blitz' For MLK Day

Press release from the Municipality of Norristown:

January 6, 2023

The Norristown Fire Department will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by serving the community of Norristown on Jan. 16 with its 5th Annual Smoke Detector Blitz.

In partnership with the American Red Cross and students from Ursinus College, all on-duty fire department staff will conduct a neighborhood Smoke Detector Blitz from 10 a.m. to noon in the 500 and 600 blocks of Astor, Chain and Corson streets. Over 100 homes will be given the chance to have a firefighter install a smoke detector on each level and a smoke and carbon detector on their bottom floor.

“On this day we answer Dr. King’s call to service by stepping up to participate in this year’s Day of Service” said Fire Chief Tom O’Donnell “It is a terrific way to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

According to the municipal Buildings and Code Compliance department, close to 11,000 smoke detector violations (missing, no battery, expired, etc.) were recorded in residences from 2016 – 2021. The Norristown Fire Department runs fire safety awareness programs throughout the year to reinforce the safety message.

The Norristown Fire Department will host additional blitz events in the spring in conjunction with the Norristown Area School District.

Throughout the year NFD installs smoke detectors in owner-occupied homes. If you would like a smoked detector ou can call the fire department at 610-270-2870.

For more information please contact the Public Information Office at 610-270-0429.

This press release was produced by the Municipality of Norristown. The views expressed here are the author’s own.