AGAWAM — The Agawam Fire Department, in partnership with the American Red Cross, has launched a vital home fire preparedness and safety campaign aimed at protecting residents through the free installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
The initiative, funded by recent grant support, revives a longstanding collaboration between the department and the Red Cross. “The Agawam Fire Department has operated smoke detector installation programs in the past in cooperation with the American Red Cross,” said Agawam Fire Chief Alan Sirois. “The recent availability of grant funding has allowed our department to restart this important program with the invaluable assistance of the Red Cross.”
The campaign targets homeowners with outdated or non-functioning battery-operated smoke alarms, as well as homes lacking alarms entirely. According to Sirois, “The program operated by the Red Cross supplies only battery operated smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Because fire code prevents us from replacing hard wired smoke detectors with battery operated detectors, we are unfortunately unable to offer replacement of hard wired detectors.”
Massachusetts Fire Code, along with most device manufacturers, recommends replacing smoke detectors after 10 years of service. “In order to improve the reliability of installed devices, and ensure that we are servicing the most vulnerable of residents, the program focuses on smoke detectors that are in excess of 10 years old, non-functioning or absent,” Sirois explained.
The importance of functioning smoke detectors cannot be overstated. National Fire Protection Association data shows that nearly three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. “In fatal home fires, 41% had no smoke alarms present, and in 16% of cases, alarms were present but failed to operate, often due to missing or disconnected batteries. Properly installed and maintained smoke detectors can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half,” Sirois emphasized.
Eligible homeowners — those with battery-operated alarms over 10 years old or no alarms — can sign up for a free installation appointment by visiting agawam.ma.us/smokedetectorsignup or calling 413-726-2885.
During the home visit, trained Agawam firefighters will inspect current alarm systems and install new detectors where needed.
“Information about the devices will be passed onto the homeowner,” said Sirois. “Additional home fire safety information, like what to do in the event of a fire, maintaining safe egress paths, and family meeting points for evacuation will be discussed.”
The overarching goal of the campaign is to reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities by increasing early warning systems in homes across Agawam. “We hope this program significantly improves fire safety in Agawam by ensuring more homes have working smoke detectors,” Sirois said. “By increasing early warning capabilities, we aim to reduce injuries, save lives, and give residents the critical time needed to escape in the event of a fire.”
While expansion to rental properties or homes with hardwired systems is not currently planned, renters concerned about their smoke or CO detectors should contact their landlords, as they are legally required to maintain these systems under Massachusetts law.
Through this initiative, the Agawam Fire Department and the Red Cross are taking tangible steps to protect residents and reinforce a culture of safety across the community.
