Program Description
The Fort Wayne Fire Department was awarded a Fire Prevention & Safety Grant from the Federal Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) for the purchase of 500 smoke detectors and 500 Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms.
The number one line of defense in the event of a home fire is working smoke detectors. The U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association advise that smoke detectors be installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Most fatal fires happen at night, and this will provide the occupants with the much-needed early warning to get out before they are trapped.
Carbon monoxide detectors alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal. CO can come from faulty furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and other gas appliances. CO detectors should be installed near each sleeping area and on every level of your home and placed at least 5 – 20 feet away from sources of CO like gas appliances and attached garages. Avoid placing them near windows, doors, or vents where fresh air might prevent the alarm from detecting CO.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department joined Mayor Sharon Tucker as she visited with residents in the Hickory Grove neighborhood. During the neighborhood walk, the Fire Department installed 26 smoke detectors and 16 carbon monoxide detectors.
Sign Up For Smoke Detector and/or CO Alarm
Click this link to receive a smoke alarm, CO alarm, or hearing-impaired alarm from the Fort Wayne Fire Department.
How to Request a Smoke Detector Q&A
To receive a free smoke detector, one must fill out and submit the online Smoke Detector Request Form. CLICK HERE to request a smoke detector
- Applicants should reside within Fort Wayne city limits.
- Applicants must own the residence (not rent) and are not a landlord using the detectors for rental properties.
- Applicants requesting a smoke detector agree the Fort Wayne Fire Department will install the detector at the time of the detector delivery.
- The homeowner/individual 18 years or older must be present at the time of installation and agree to sign the waiver of liability.
Once the submitted form is received by the Fort Wayne Fire Department. You will be contacted by a representative from the Department to coordinate an installation time.
- Free computer/ internet access is available at any Allen County Library location. Check with your local library branch for their specific hours.
- You can complete a hard copy of the request form at any Fort Wayne Fire Station.
While individual Fort Wayne Fire Stations do have hard copies of the request form, they do not have a supply of detectors. You will be asked to complete the form on site and submit it to the crew.
Installation by the Fire Department is necessary to receive the free detector.
Please call the Fort Wayne Fire Department Administrative Office at 427-1478.
Smoke Alarm Information
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.
