Smoke Detector
WAUKESHA, Wis. - The Waukesha Fire Department and American Red Cross teamed up to install dozens of smoke detectors on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Firefighters said working smoke detectors can cut the risk of house fire deaths in half. But too often, crews arrive to find smoke detectors aren’t working. That was the case last Thanksgiving at two separate fires. Waukesha Fire Department Assistant Chief Joe Hoffman said one man later died from a fire near Arcadian and Oakland.
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"Smoke is truly the deadliest killer in most of our fires," Hoffman said. "Working smoke detectors in the home is still the leading cause of the early notification and getting you out of the house."
"A lot of times we hear from people that it’s one of the worst moments of their lives – to lose everything that you have," said Red Cross disaster program manager Shana Beal.
Beal said 25 households have already signed up.
Their help doesn’t stop at a beep.
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"We go through a home fire escape plan, so people know the approximate amount of time you have to get out of a house," Beal said.
To learn more about free smoke detector installation eligibility, visit the Red Cross' website or call 888-376-4056.
On FOX6 WakeUp
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Waukesha FD smoke alarm installations
The Waukesha Fire Department and American Red Cross are teaming up to install dozens of smoke alarms this weekend. FOX6 WakeUp stopped at Waukesha Fire Station 1 to learn more.
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Waukesha smoke detector push, safety check
Waukesha Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Hoffman joined FOX6 WakeUp to share more about a free smoke detector check-up and installation, and what to look for in your home's smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
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Free smoke alarm installation in Waukesha
Mark Thomas from the American Red Cross joined FOX6 WakeUp to talk about how the organization is teaming up with the Waukesha Fire Department to check and install smoke detectors in homes.
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Free smoke detector installation in Waukesha
Waukesha Fire Inspector Tom Koerner (and a special friend) joined FOX6 WakeUp to talk more about the importance of smoke detectors, and a free installation event happening on Saturday, Sept. 28.
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