The Redmond Fire Department was one of several departments selected by the state Department of Health, Injury & Violence Prevention Program to implement a Fire Safe Families Project.

This program will provide and install 100 smoke alarms, free of charge, in homes of eligible Redmond residents.

The Redmond Fire Department (RFD) will target Redmond’s senior population with this program by partnering with the Redmond Senior Center (RSC).

On July 6 at 9:30 a.m., RFD will present fire safety education at RSC, 8703 160th Ave. N.E., followed by a registration time for eligible residents.

Eligibility requirements include preference for being a Redmond senior resident living in a home that does not have the required number of smoke alarms or the smoke alarms are more than 10 years old. Other requirements include the resident must register before the firefighters come to their home and install the smoke alarms.

This program is funded by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Washington State Department of Health, Injury & Violence Prevention Program. It is intended to prevent fire-related injuries and deaths through installation of smoke alarms in homes that do not have adequate smoke alarm coverage.

“Fires and burns are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury or death in the United States,” stated RFD assistant fire marshal Todd Short. “Based on a five year average, approximately five people die in fires each month in Washington state with 73 percent occurring in homes. A working smoke alarm significantly reduces the risk of death or injury in fire by providing early notification to the occupants.”

When visiting the home, fire department personnel and volunteers will install the alarms, offer fire prevention tips and help residents with fire escape plans.

To apply for this program, contact Carol Hartwell at (425)-556-2220 or chartwell@redmond.gov or Linda Swanberg at (425)-556-2246 or lswanberg@redmond.gov.