MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Maplewood Fire Department is continuing a program to distribute smoke detectors free-of-charge to senior citizens and needy families who reside in one- and two-family homes within the community. Smoke detectors are required in all one- and two-family homes by the N.J. Uniform Fire Code.
The majority of home fires that kill people happen at night. If you’re asleep, the smell of smoke won’t always wake you up. In fact, smoke and poisonous gases can put you into a deeper sleep. Properly installed and working smoke detectors are essential to ensure that you awaken in time to escape in the event of a fire.
The Maplewood Fire Department received smoke detectors for distribution from the N.J. Division of Fire Safety. The goal of the division is to have at least one working smoke detector on every floor in every residence in New Jersey. Since the outset of the program, the division has provided more than 40,000 smoke detectors to fire departments and other community-based organizations for distribution to families in New Jersey.
Smoke detectors will be provided to senior citizens and needy residents with referrals from the municipal welfare and health departments receiving priority. On-duty firefighters will install the smoke detectors in the proper locations and instruct residents on proper use and maintenance. Residents receiving smoke detectors under this program will be required to sign a waiver indicating that they will maintain the detectors in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
Assistance is also available for the proper placement and installation of carbon monoxide detectors. However, the homeowner must supply the carbon monoxide detectors. Residents having carbon monoxide detectors installed by firefighters will be required to sign a waiver indicating that they will maintain the detectors in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment to have a smoke detector installed, contact the Maplewood Fire Department at 973-762-6500, ext. 10, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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