Operation Save A Life kicked-off its annual fire safety initiative with the support of the Chicago Fire Department, ABC 7 News, Kidde, The Home Depot, and Camp I Am Me. The media event, which was held at Engine Company 13 in the heart of downtown, had representatives from each of the collaborating partners to highlight the program.
Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt noted, “Every year countless lives are lost and properties are destroyed due to preventable fires. Through this initiative, we aim to change that narrative.” Those comments were followed-up by WLS-TV (ABC 7 Chicago) President and General Manager, John Idler, “Partnerships last this long because of a solid foundation of people who are dedicated to fire and life safety.”
The result of this partnership is a welcomed and appreciated 4,000 10-year battery smoke alarm donation to support the ongoing efforts of Camp I Am Me and the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program. This nearly $100,000-valued gift will help support the safety and protection of more than 1,300 homes and 4,000 residents across the state.
Be Alarmed! Was developed in 2018 to educate Illinois residents on the dangers of residential fires as well as to ensure there are working smoke alarms properly installed in homes. To date, more than 280 Illinois fire departments participate in the program, resulting in 31,000+ alarms distributed, 7,400+ homes protected, and 17,000 residents educated on fire safety and home fire escape planning.
Through the Operation Save A Life program, smoke alarm manufacturer Kidde, has already donated more than 1.5 million smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to fire departments across the country.