From city Communications Director Brett Broesder:
Today, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and Fire Chief Brian Rooney announced that nearly 50,000 free smoke alarms have been installed in the Park City since the inception of its “Safe Asleep” program. They also unveiled a new phase of the program, including an advertising initiative, in order to grow that number this year.
Mayor Finch and Chief Rooney were joined by representatives from the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP) and Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT).
“Thanks to the efforts of the Safe Asleep program and the hardworking men and women of the Bridgeport Fire Department, we’re keeping the kids and families of the Park City safe,” said Mayor Finch. “With nearly 50,000 smoke alarms installed in Bridgeport homes, we are a national leader in protecting kids and families from the dangers of fires. These new ads will help us reach even more homes, and keeping more families safe as Bridgeport gets better every day.”
Through a partnership with GBT, buses will provide mobile advertising for the program that has helped save hundreds of lives in Bridgeport. Since the program began, there have been 143 documented instances of fires in homes with smoke alarms installed for free by the Bridgeport Fire Department. In each of those incidents, residents of those homes were alerted by their smoke alarm and able to escape safely without injury.
“The Safe Asleep program saves lives,” said Chief Rooney. “Most residential fires happen at night. With a working smoke alarm, you have a chance to get out safely.”
In addition to new bus advertisements, Firefighters and representatives from the Safe Asleep program also visit Bridgeport schools to help educate kids on the importance of fire prevention and safety. The Fire Department has also partnered with Dominos Pizza and Fire Engine Pizza Co. offering free pizza to promote the free smoke alarm program.
The “Safe Asleep” program began in 2005 as a partnership between the city fire department and RYASAP. Residents in need of smoke alarms can call 203-335-8835, and the fire department will install it for free.
The mayor and the fire chief never mention what type of smoke detectors they are giving out. Here is a article from Consumer Reports that spells out what types of smoke detectors are best.
www .consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/03/for-the-best-protection-use-both-types-of-smoke-detectors/index.htm
For the best protection, use both types of smoke detectors
Consumer Reports News: March 25, 2013 05:08 PM
A report on smoke alarms on Sunday’s episode of Dateline on NBC has triggered further debate about which type of alarm works best: photoelectric or ionization. If you’re familiar with Consumer Reports’ smoke alarm tests, you know that the answer is … neither. We recommend both technologies to ensure maximum protection from fire. Here’s why.
Our tests of a dozen smoke alarms from BRK Electronics, First Alert and Kidde found clear strengths among the two technologies.
Smoke alarms that use ionization technology were great at detecting a fast, flaming fire such as burning paper, but poor at detecting a smoldering fire, as in a couch or mattress. The opposite was true of photoelectric smoke alarms. That’s why you need both types of alarm in your home. Or consider a dual sensor model, which embeds the two technologies in a single alarm.
There should be at least one set on each level of your home, including the basement and attic. Be sure to place a detector in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area. Interconnected models, called out in our smoke alarm tests, will all sound simultaneously when any one is triggered. That way you’ll be warned of a fire in the basement when you’re asleep upstairs.
To avoid false alarms, don’t mount ionization or dual smoke alarms in the kitchen, where burnt toast might set them off, or near sources of steam such as a bathroom, laundry room or sauna.
So Ron, what type does the city give out? I have detectors that were installed by the city quite a few years ago which probably need replacing. Should I not consider this program?
Phil Blagys, I know in the past they were giving out the “ionization alarm” but you should call and ask them. I would strongly suggest you have both type or the dual sensor alarm that is recommended by Consumer Reports. If the City is not doing this then they are doing a disservice to the Bridgeport residents by giving them a false feeling of being totally safe.
Thanks, Ron. I will look further into this.