In a bid to combat the silent threat of house fires in Old Town Avondale, the Avondale Fire and Medical Department is setting out to equip at least 200 homes with free smoke alarms. This community safety initiative, a partnership with the Arizona Burn Foundation, will see volunteers marching door-to-door on March 23, starting at 9 a.m., handing out life-saving devices and educating homeowners on fire safety practices.
Studies have shown a working smoke alarm to significantly reduce the chance of fatality in the event of a fire. To effectively bolster the safety of the community, the Avondale Fire and Medical Department is urging residents in the area bounded by East La Canada Boulevard and East Western Ave, and between North Los Robles Drive and North Dysart Road, to avail themselves of this offer. Those interested can pre-register online to guarantee to receive a smoke alarm when the outreach team knocks on their door.
The initiative is part of a larger effort to increase awareness about the considerable risk fires pose and to empower residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Avondale Fire and Medical Department quotes statistics from the National Fire Protection Association highlighting a grim reality: 60% of fire deaths occur in homes that lack functioning smoke alarms, and the presence of ones that work can halve the risk of dying in a blaze.
Fire Chief Larry Rooney emphasized the significance of the campaign, stating, "The Avondale Fire and Medical Department and the Arizona Burn Foundation are committed to promoting fire safety and saving lives in the community." He also thanked the volunteers who will be in Old Town Avondale to distribute fire alarms and share essential safety tips. With working smoke alarms, homes stand a 50% better chance of surviving the threat of a fire.
Residents seeking further information on this life-saving initiative or additional resources related to fire safety can reach out to the Avondale Fire and Medical Department at 623-333-6000.
