Lincoln Fire and Rescue is conducting a smoke alarm awareness campaign as part of the America 250 celebration. Beginning this summer, firefighters from all 16 Lincoln Fire and Rescue stations will take part in “Sound Off Saturdays,” going door-to-door to make sure smoke alarms are working properly in homes across the city.
LFR Public Information Officer MJ Lierman says the effort comes after several deadly fires over the past year occurred overnight in homes without functioning smoke alarms. “Night fires, especially when people are asleep, those smoke alarms give people the amount of time to get out,” Lierman says.
The campaign will focus primarily on single-family homes. Firefighters and volunteers will ask residents to scan a QR code and provide contact information so they can participate in the program. Residents who need new batteries will receive free 10-year lithium smoke alarm batteries.
As part of the America 250 initiative, Lincoln Fire and Rescue is also selling commemorative America 250 T-shirts through July 15, with proceeds supporting the department’s community outreach programs.