Firefighters bring food and safety tips to seniors

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As part of Fire Prevention Week, state and local fire officials are making home visits to deliver meals and check smoke alarms for seniors in New Hanover County. They will be bringing over 200 meals to homes across the county. While there, officials are checking and replacing smoke alarms as needed, and providing other fire and safety tips.

State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin said that checking the smoke alarms for seniors in Wilmington is a great way to promote fire prevention and fire safety.

“Each year more than 900 people die in this country because of not having a smoke alarm at all. And then several hundred more per year perish because they don’t have a working smoke alarm,” Goodwin said.

According to firefighters, smoke alarms should be checked monthly, with the batteries replaced twice per year. Goodwin said that delivering the meals gave fire officials an opportunity to easily check for needed repairs and replacement.

“The Meals on Wheels program itself has been known by folks for decades. And of course everyone loves the fire service, so when you have fire fighters and also our senior citizens welcoming us into their homes it’s just a natural fit for us to be able to check the smoke alarms and also discuss other fire prevention methods as well,” said Goodwin.

For those without smoke detectors, firefighters will be returning to install them as needed.