Effingham Fire Department Begins Smoke Detector Program

The Effingham Fire Department has begun its annual Community Smoke Detector Program. The effort began Monday and will continue through Wednesday.

Smoke detectors save lives, but only if they are working properly. It's the goal of the Effingham Fire Department to make sure that every resident is protected by a working smoke detector. Some residents, for whatever reason, may not have the ability to check or maintain their detectors. The program is designed to help homeowners maintain their smoke detectors in their homes. Also, it will allow the firefighters an opportunity to interact with the residents of Effingham.

The fire department is going into neighborhoods within the city and walking door-to-door to ask the residents if they would like their smoke detector checked. If the resident accepts the service, the fire department will check the detector and make sure it's working correctly. If it's not working, firefighters will replace the battery or replace the detector if needed at no cost to the homeowner. 

The fire department began in the area of East Jefferson Avenue, moving north on Willow Street to Temple Avenue. The goal is to walk a different neighborhood within the city for three consecutive days in June, July and August. Again, this is a free service to the homeowner and participation is not mandatory. If the resident is not home at the time of the visit, a door hangar will be placed on the front door. That will give the resident the opportunity to contact the fire department about a return visit. All of the participating firefighters will be in uniform and will provide proper identification.

For more information, contact Firefighter Tasha Lange, Public Education Coordinator with the Effingham Fire Departmet, at 217-342-2555.