BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Battle Creek Fire Department is teaming up with local service organizations to install specialized smoke alarms in homes throughout Battle Creek.
With support from grant funding, for more than two decades, the BCFD has conducted the “Smoke Alarms Help Save Lives” installation campaign. Through this program, the fire department provides and installs up to three smoke detectors and one carbon monoxide alarm in homes within the Battle Creek city limits.
“Working smoke alarms are an important part of a fire escape plan,” said Bill Payne, Fire Inspector for the BCFD. “They greatly reduce the risk of injury or death for both residents and responding firefighters. That’s why it’s important to ensure all our Battle Creek neighbors have functioning alarms.”
Thanks to a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant awarded to the city by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2023, the department received funding to cover up to 200 devices for people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing. The primary goal of the grant is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations.
Heather LeBlanc, who lives just a few blocks from Station 5, was among the first in the city to have a fire alarm for the hearing impaired installed in her home.
On Monday, Jan. 27, Payne along with firefighters from station 5, visited LeBlanc’s home where they met Dawn Green, DeafLINK director and American Sign Language interpreter. With Green’s help, Payne was able to communicate with LeBlanc about the device and answer questions.
“The deaf community's been talking for a long time about wanting fire alarms — flashing, vibrations, the clock — to help us wake up. I'm very thankful for the fire department to be concerned about people with deafness and disabilities, and to figure out what they need,” LeBlanc said.
The fire department is also working with CareWell Services and the Disability Network Southwest Michigan to expand support referrals.
Neighbors in need of these specialized alarms should contact Fire Station 1 to schedule an appointment. Please note that you must be a homeowner residing within the city limits of Battle Creek. Device availability is limited, and appointments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information on the BCFD smoke alarm program or to schedule an appointment, visit battlecreekmi.gov/850/Smoke-Alarm-Information or call 269-966-3519.
Link to video: https://youtube.com/shorts/6K5WPXpe3l0?si=yvyg5g-hyIIIW2Ak
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