NEWS ADVISORY: Smoke Alarm Saturday Kickoff Event Scheduled in Winston-Salem

RALEIGH, N.C. — The NC Office of State Fire Marshal, Winston-Salem Fire Department and Kidde, a leading manufacturer of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and safety accessories, will officially kick off NC’s annual Smoke Alarm Saturday campaign on Friday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Winston-Salem Fire Station 1.

This year’s statewide initiative will focus on helping to protect older adults, following recent fire fatality data showing that older North Carolinians continue to be disproportionately impacted by residential fires.

Fire officials say the need for working smoke alarms has never been greater. Modern homes and furnishings are burning hotter and faster than ever before, significantly reducing the amount of time families have to safely escape a fire. In many cases, residents may have less than two minutes to get out once a smoke alarm sounds.

Following opening remarks, firefighters, community partners, and volunteers will canvass neighborhoods to install smoke alarms donated by Kidde and provide fire safety education to residents, with a focus on older adults and vulnerable populations.

Speakers for the event include:

Brian Taylor, NC State Fire Marshal

Trey Mayo, Winston-Salem Fire Chief

Stephanie Berzinski, Fire Safety Educator, Kidde 

A total of 69 North Carolina counties are participating in Smoke Alarm Saturday activities this year, with more than 174 fire departments and community partners taking part in coordinated smoke alarm installation and fire safety outreach efforts across the state. It is estimated over 5 thousand smoke alarms will be installed over the weekend. 

As part of the initiative, Kidde has donated more than $106-thousand dollars’ worth of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to support the Winston-Salem kickoff event and statewide community canvassing efforts.

“Working smoke alarms help save lives, especially as today’s fires spread more rapidly than ever before,” said State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. “By focusing on older adults and ensuring homes are protected with working alarms, we are taking important steps to help prevent tragedies across North Carolina.”

Media are encouraged to attend the kickoff event and canvassing activities.

-OSFM-