PROVIDENCE – The Providence Fire Department has launched a comprehensive campaign to install 25,000 smoke detectors in Providence homes.  Mayor David N. Cicilline announced today that the Providence Fire Department would use a $127,412 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to expand the Department’s fire prevention outreach program and install smoke detectors in the homes of nearly 5,000 Providence residents.

Mayor Cicilline said the program targets those who are unable to afford smoke detectors and housing units that are considered high-risk occupancies because seniors or people with disabilities live there. 

“As we work to improve the quality of life for our residents, we have the responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to these critically important life saving devices,” said Mayor Cicilline. “It has been well established that smoke detectors save lives and this program will go a long way towards providing smoke detectors to those who need them the most.”

Residents interested in having a smoke detector installed in their homes must meet one of the following criteria:

• Anyone 50 years old and older
• Minority
• High risk occupancies
• Low income
• Occupants of one, two, or three family residential dwelling who meet all of the above

Mayor Cicilline said the Providence Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau has established the Smoke Detector Hot Line for residents to call and request smoke detectors at (401) 243-6034.  A Providence Fire Department representative will contact those residents to set up an appointment to have the smoke detectors installed.

The Mayor also encourages any community groups or agencies that are interested in working with the Providence Fire Department to install smoke detectors in homes to contact the Smoke Detector Hot Line or send a fax to (401) 243-6486.  Individuals interested in participating in the program will be required to take part in a two-hour training session provided by the Providence Fire Department.