View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2021/06/10/618153.htm
As the number of fire deaths rises in North Carolina, Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey organized a team of firefighters and volunteers last weekend, not to battle a blaze or answer medical calls, but to distribute and install free smoke alarms in neighborhoods across the state.
Thus far in 2021, there have been 52 fire deaths in North Carolina, and in many of those incidents, there was no working smoke alarm present, according to Causey’s office. By comparison, 120 people lost their lives in North Carolina because of fire in 2020.
Last Saturday, the Office of State Fire Marshal joined forces with Kidde Fire Systems, Home Depot, and dozens of fire departments statewide for Smoke Alarm Saturday 2021 in North Carolina.
“Smoke alarms cut the chances of dying in a home fire in half, but they have to be in proper working condition in order to save your life,” said Causey. “Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan and our goal is to prevent fire deaths by arming our citizens with the proper knowledge and equipment.”
Fire departments across the state went door-to-door to check homes and install new smoke alarms where needed. Kidde Fire Systems donated 540 smoke alarms.