S.W. Collins donates 30 smoke alarms to keep community safe
CARIBOU — Smoke alarms provide a critical early warning of fire, allowing additional time to escape.
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Contributed photo S.W. Collins Company store manager Todd Pelletier, left, presents Caribou firefighter Mike Divito with 30 smoke detectors to assist the department’s smoke alarm installation program. Pelletier is holding an escape ladder, which is also available at the store. |
The Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department (CFAD) works diligently to educate area residents on the importance of taking personal responsibility when it comes to home fire protection, a goal aided by their smoke alarm installation program.
“This program has aided CFAD in the installation of more than 300 smoke alarms in less than one year in Caribou and our surrounding communities that we work to keep safe,” said Chief Scott Susi.
The S.W. Collins Company recently helped out by making a matching donation of 30 smoke alarms to the department in an effort to ensure every household has a working smoke alarm. Store manager Todd Pelletier stated he is proud to be able to support the effort, especially during the holiday season and long winter months.Caribou firefighter Mike Divito spends countless hours coordinating the smoke alarm installation program with the goal of saving just one life.
“A working smoke alarm is a small price to pay for a life,” said Divito. “We are thankful for companies like S.W. Collins who support our efforts in making a safer community.”
National estimates of reported fires derived from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) fire department survey show that in 2009-2013, fires in homes with no smoke alarms caused an average of 940 deaths per year.
An additional 510 people per year were fatally injured in fires in which smoke alarms were present but failed to operate.
“Without the generosity of companies like S.W. Collins, this project would not have such a quick and effective positive start as it has,” Susi said.
“I can’t thank them enough for helping us help the community.”S.W. Collins carries a variety of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and escape ladders. For more information on fire safety, contact the CFAD or visit their website at cariboufire.net.
