HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
You hear it time and time again, but the message is still just as important: smoke alarms save lives. That's why abc27 has once again teamed up with the Kidde Corporation for "Operation Save A Life."
Thousands of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have been delivered to our station in Harrisburg, but they won't be here long. Over the next couple of weeks, one fire company from each county will stop by the station to pick them up. Firefighters will then distribute the alarms to people who need them.
This is the fifth year for the program, which is really living up to its name.
"Operation Save A Life has taken on such a larger meaning to this community," abc27 General Manager Joe Lewin said. "There are so many homes that never had a smoke alarm or one functioning properly. This hit a place that made a true difference in this community."
Just two weeks ago, a four-year-old boy in Chambersburg died when flames ripped through his town house. He was found in his bedroom, which investigators say did not have a smoke alarm. The goal of Operation Save A Life is to prevent similar tragedies.
"This is the right thing to do," Lewin said. "This is true community service by a television station. This is something we hope to continue for a long time."
The 3,500 alarms to be distributed are good for 10 years and never need a battery.
The program also serves as a good reminder for those of you who have smoke alarms; make sure you test them. This weekend is a great time to do that. When you set your clocks back Saturday night, replace the batteries in your smoke alarm while you're at it.
In its first four years, abc27 has distributed more than 50,000 smoke alarms through Operation Save A Life.
If you would like to receive a free Kidde smoke alarm, please contact your local fire department
If you are a member of a local fire department that would like to distribute free Kidde smoke alarms to those in need in your community, please complete and submit the form below.
