Submitted by Mena Fire Chief
Steve Egger
The City of Mena and the Mena Fire Department are pleased to announce that the Arkansas Fire Protection service Board (AFPSB) has awarded the fire department a grant for 100 smoke alarms for the department’s fire prevention program.
This will be the second time for the department to be able to institute the smoke alarm program (INSTALL, INSPECT, AND PROTECT) for citizens living within the city limits of Mena. The alarms are the sealed 10-year lithium battery model. The smoke alarms will be installed by the fire department and not just handed out to the individuals.
The Mena Fire Department will install at least one smoke alarm in the home of those that qualify through a simple application process. We are seeking applicants from low income families, handicapped, and senior citizens. If you know of anyone that fits the criteria and may not have a working smoke alarm in the home please tell them about this program. Smoke_Alarm_Applications are available at Fire Station No. 1 at 603 Dequeen Street during normal business hours and will be available at various public relations events, or you can click the link above, download and print the form.
The fire department will notify applicants of approval of the application and will arrange a date and time for installation of the smoke alarms. During the installation, firefighters will provide families with information for them to inspect their home for fire hazards and provide fire safety tips to better protect their families from home fires.
If you have any question, or need additional information, please contact the Mena Fire Department at 479-394-1234.
How often are Americans changing smoke detector batteries?
More than 1 in 4 Americans who never check their smoke detectors.
View the new report on American home maintenance neglect, which also found checking smoke detectors is the No. 1 most commonly forgotten home maintenance task. (according to All Star Home – allstarhome.com) A few facts from the new report:
- Three or more times a year- 6%
- Twice a year – 18%
- Once a year – 26%
- Once every other year – 3%
- Every few years – 3%
- Never – 7%
- Only when it beeps – 37%
- 61% of Americans have 3 or more smoke detectors in their home.
- 39% of Americans have unplugged their smoke detectors.
- 18% have forgotten to plug them back in.
- 1 in 6 do not remove lint from their dryer every time they use it.
- 58% of Americans have a carbon monoxide detector in their homes.
More Stories
Consumer Alert: Beware fraudulent callers claiming to be law enforcement officers
Boater education course scheduled in Mena this month
OLT announces cast for ‘The Little Mermaid’