FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2006
Free smoke detectors available through public health departments
SUMTER – Families without a working smoke detector in their home can request one through DHEC’s county public health departments in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“Through a partnership with local fire departments, referrals can be made at DHEC public health departments to receive a smoke detector,” said Kevin Johnson, a DHEC Region 4 health educator.
“Smoke detectors are free to any resident who needs one,” said Johnson. “There are no income guidelines and fire department officials will install the smoke detectors.”
According to Johnson, fire prevention messages urge citizens to check and change the batteries in home smoke detectors twice a year when clocks are changed for daylight savings or standard time.
DHEC also emphasizes the following fire safety tips:
- Develop an escape plan; discuss it with your family; practice your plan.
- Determine an outdoor meeting place for all family members to gather.
- Assess electrical outlets to ensure they are not overloaded.
- Don’t leave burning candles or cigarettes unattended.
- Don’t smoke in bed.
- Don’t place space heaters near furniture or draperies.
To contact your local DHEC county public health department, please call:
- Clarendon (803) 435-8168
- Kershaw (803) 425-6012
- Lee (803) 484-6612
- Sumter (803) 773-5511
For more fire safety information, please visit DHEC’s Web site: www.scdhec.gov/health/chcdp/injury/residential_fire.htm
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For more information:
Missy Reese – (803) 773-5511
E-mail – reesemb@dhec.sc.gov