City of Birmingham Residents Can Request Free Smoke Detectors, But Some Homes Remains Unprotected
By Fae Fox | ABC 33/40 Birmingham Fire Department says too many homes across the city still do not have working smoke detectors — even though they are available for free. The warning comes in the aftermath of a triple-fatal house fire, where officials confirmed the home did not have a working smoke detector. “There […]
Black News 
By Fae Fox | ABC 33/40
Birmingham Fire Department says too many homes across the city still do not have working smoke detectors — even though they are available for free.
The warning comes in the aftermath of a triple-fatal house fire, where officials confirmed the home did not have a working smoke detector.
“There should not be a household in the city of Birmingham that does not have a working smoke detector. It’s just that simple,” said Birmingham Fire Lieutenant Catina Williams.
Fire officials say this is a problem they see far too often when responding to emergencies.
“If we go into a house and it doesn’t have a working smoke detector, that’s too many — especially when they’re free,” Williams said.
Through a partnership with the City of Birmingham, residents can receive two free smoke detectors per household, and the fire department will also install the devices at no cost.
“We make sure that they’re installed, and they’re installed correctly,” Williams said.
Williams stressed that smoke detectors remain one of the most important safety tools in a home.
“There should be at least one smoke detector on every level of the house,” Williams said.
Following the deadly fire, Williams also explained why smoke detectors often fail in homes.
“A lot of times they’re installed too close to the kitchen, so every time someone cooks they go off and people take them down. Sometimes they’re painted over, and sometimes the batteries aren’t changed,” Williams said.
While Birmingham Fire will install smoke detectors, officials say homeowners are responsible for maintaining them.
“Smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month,” Williams said. “The batteries should be changed at least twice a year.”
For families who choose to purchase their own alarms, local hardware stores offer several options, including battery-operated, electric, and smart smoke detectors.
Frank Davies, owner of Little Hardware, says battery-operated detectors are often the easiest choice.
“Battery-operated units can be put almost anywhere,” Davies said. “Typically near sleeping areas so they’ll wake you up at night.”
Davies added that smart smoke detectors can be especially useful in larger homes.
“If one alarm senses smoke, it triggers the others,” Davies said. “That way alarms are going off throughout the house.”
In addition to smoke detectors, Birmingham Fire is also reminding residents that many homes still do not have a fire extinguisher — another simple tool that can help stop a small fire from spreading.
Click here for the direct link to request a free smoke detector and make an installation appointment with Birmingham fire.
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