When it comes to household safety, nothing is more important than properly installed smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Whether you have an old alarm that needs replacing, or you recently moved into a new home, a fire alarm can save your life at any given moment.
The Meridian Township Fire Department was recently awarded $70,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to purchase and install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms into resident’s homes.
“We were awarded the money under the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant through FEMA in early September,” said Meridian Fire inspector Tavis Millerov. “The easiest way to sign up for the program is to go to the Meridian Township website. There will be an electronic registration for the program. We have also been posting about the program in the township newsletter, as well as through social media.”
The program is only open to Meridian Township residents, there is still a handful of caveats.
“We haven’t limited it to anyone, but there are priority groups,” said Millerov. “People aged 65 and older, and those with children 13 or younger get first dibs, since they are at higher risk for injury or even death. We have installed nearly 500 alarms, and will be installing alarms up until summer 2019.”
Residents are excited to hear about the new program.
“That’s a really cool program and many people need it,” said Meridian resident Susie Gonzalez. “I have two small kids at home so that would be nice to have because fire alarms can be really expensive.”
Home Depot sells three-packs of fire alarms for $50. Additionally, monitoring fees can cost $50-60 to make sure the system is functioning properly.
“I think it’s a great program and great for the fire department,” said Joan Newton of Meridian Township. “I wish that all fire departments could do such a thing for their communities.”
The fire department will come out and schedule a free assessment/installation appointment whenever is convenient when you fill out an application online. To learn more information about the program, visit http://www.meridian.mi.us/home.