The Northshore Fire Department conducted a pilot program Sept. 25 to install free smoke alarms in three mobile-home parks in the fire district. The 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms were received through a grant from the Washington State Department of Health. Of the 100 homes visited, 34 smoke alarms were installed, and batteries replaced in existing smoke alarms where needed. Each home received a packet of fire-safety information. If no one was home, the packets included information on how to contact the Northshore Fire Department to request a smoke-alarm installation.

Four teams went door to door in the mobile-home parks, and each team had an interpreter to assist with the non-English speaking residents. “We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to provide this life-saving assistance to the Kenmore community,” said project coordinator Wendy Booth.

Residents of mobile homes have an increased risk of death and injury from fire, according to national statistics. Having a working smoke alarm could save a life.

The Northshore Fire Department has plans to carry out another smoke-alarm installation day with the goal of getting alarms into all of the mobile homes in the district.

The Northshore Fire Department wants to remind people that smoke alarms should be installed on every level in the home, tested monthly and the battery replaced every year (unless it has a 10-year lithium battery). It is recommended that smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years.