Why Is the City of Sioux Falls ‘Sounding the Alarm’ This October?
The city of Sioux Falls is preparing to sound the alarm for an entire week this October.
Fire Prevention Week kicks off during the week of October 9th and for two days that week, the city of Sioux Falls in conjunction with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue is making available FREE smoke alarms to any Sioux Falls resident who wants one.
Fire Prevention Week is designed to increase fire safety measures throughout the Sioux Empire, and as Dakota News Now reports, the program itself got underway back in 2005. That year the city handed out several thousand smoke detectors to residents requesting one, and each year the program keeps growing and growing.
Since 2013, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue has installed over 7000 smoke alarms in homes all over the Sioux Falls area as a direct result of the program.
This year, on (October 10 and 12) Sioux Falls Fire Rescue will be sounding the alarm once again. According to Dakota News Now, on those two days, SFFR is again inviting any individual or family within the Sioux Falls city limits to place a request for a smoke alarm to be obtained and installed FREE of charge. In addition to smoke detectors, bed shakers will also be available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Sioux Falls Fire Inspector Brandon Fey told Dakota News Now, " “Every second counts when a fire breaks out, and smoke alarms are our best line of defense against loss of life and property.”
How can you get yours?
Simply call the Helpline Center at 211. Once you do, a representative with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue will contact you to schedule an installation time on either (October 10 or 12) or when it's convenient for you.
Dakota News Now reports that members of SFFR along with other city employees help to install all the smoke alarms requested in partnership with the American Red Cross.
Fire Prevention Week also serves as a great reminder to check on the condition of existing smoke alarms. Your batteries should be replaced, and it's possible the smoke detector itself might need to be updated. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue recommends that smoke alarms that have been in service for more than 10 years should be replaced.
Fey told Dakota News Now, “Over time, they get coated with household dust and debris, which can cause an alarm malfunction during the time of a fire.”
Source: Dakota News Now