In an effort to ensure every home in Dawson County is fitted with working smoke detectors, Dawson County Emergency Services is offering all residents free smoke detectors and batteries.

Beginning December 5, 2007, Dawson County Emergency Services and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be “knocking on doors to offer and install the free smoke detectors,” said Deputy Chief Tim Satterfield. “We will begin with the eastern part of the county, and my goal is to hit every home in the county.” Batteries will also be provided for the new smoke alarms or for existing units that need replacements.

“In the last two fires in the county, smoke detectors have alerted the residents,” reports Satterfield. “We have 4,000 deaths a year in fires and more than 20,000 injuries nationally. Having a working smoke alarm reduces your chances of dying in a fire by nearly half.”

The free smoke detectors are made available by a Fire Act grant, the Department of Human Resources Injury Prevention and a Burn Foundation award resulting from Dawson County Emergency Services’ efforts in the Boot Drive. Batteries were donated by Eveready.

Keep your eyes open for fire engines on your street:

Wednesday, December 5, 2007, 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Thursday, December 6, 2007, 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 9:00 am–1:00 pm

Additional dates will be established.

For those who wish to make an appointment to receive a smoke detector, please contact Dawson County Emergency Services at 706-344-3666.  For more information visit www.dawsoncounty.org.