Casselberry Residents Can Get Free Smoke Alarm Installations

CASSELBERRY, Fla. – Smoke alarms remain one of the most important tools residents have during a house fire, according to Sharon Gregory, a public safety specialist with the Seminole County Fire Department.

Gregory emphasized that people may have less than two minutes to escape a burning home. A working alarm can provide the warning needed to recognize the danger and get outside safely.

To help local families prepare, the Seminole County Fire Department is teaming up with the American Red Cross for a Sound the Alarm event on Saturday, Oct. 10. The outreach will take place in a Casselberry neighborhood near Wilshire Drive and South Winter Park Drive, offering free smoke alarm installations and home fire safety information.

Firefighters and Red Cross volunteers started promoting the event Monday by gathering at the Casselberry Police Department and visiting nearby homes. Teams handed out door hangers containing information about the Oct. 10 safety initiative.

During the event, volunteers will check residents’ existing alarms, replace or install units when necessary, and discuss steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of a house fire.

Organizers expect to visit nearly 250 homes, with fire prevention education serving as a central part of the effort.

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Residents will also receive information about lithium-ion battery safety. Gregory said fire officials have seen an increase in incidents involving the batteries, which are used in a growing range of everyday devices.

Gregory recommends testing smoke alarms every month. Traditional alarm batteries should be replaced annually, while newer models with sealed lithium-ion batteries generally require replacing the entire alarm after 10 years.

The Casselberry outreach is part of the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign and its Sound the Alarm program, a nationwide initiative that works with fire departments and community groups to prevent home fire deaths and other tragedies.

Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 4 through Oct. 10. Additional information about Seminole County fire safety and community outreach programs is available by clicking here.