For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Georgetown Fire Department Donates Smoke Detectors to Housing Authority

GEORGETOWN – Chief Fred Mitchell Jr. is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Fire Department donated $500 worth of smoke detectors to the Georgetown Housing Authority last week.

On Oct. 26, Chief Mitchell presented Housing Authority Director Diane Drinan with numerous BRK smoke detectors that will be used to replace old devices, primarily on the Housing Authority’s properties on Trestle Way.

“On behalf of the entire Georgetown Housing Authority, we thank the fire department for its generous donation, which will help us purchase and update smoke detectors in several of our properties,” said Drinan.

The donation was made possible through a grant from the department’s Senior SAFE Program, which is administered through the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. The grant was written by Firefighter Donna Robbins, the Fire Department’s SAFE coordinator.

“We cannot stress enough how important it is for all homes to have working smoke detectors, as they will save your life in the event of a fire,” Chief Mitchell said. “We’re so happy to have been able to help the Housing Authority replace aged detectors in their buildings to ensure all residents are safe.”

Chief Mitchell reminds residents that while they’re changing their clocks back this weekend, to also test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re working properly and do not need to be replaced.

As advised by the National Fire Protection Association:

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.

• Replace batteries when you change your clocks.

• Make sure that everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old.

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (lifelong) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

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