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OFFICIALS: SMOKE DETECTORS IDEAL GIFT

By Ray King/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Monday, November 24, 2008 10:56 AM CST

If you’re looking for a gift for the person that has everything, the Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department has a suggestion for you — a smoke detector.

Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Fire Marshall Capt. Fred Tisdale (left) and Lt. Shauwn Howell get in the Christmas spirit with some of the smoke detectors they’re recommending as presents for families and friends this year. The smoke detectors are free and fire and emergency services personnel will even install them by calling the department at 543-5150. Pine Bluff Commercial/Ray King

“What better gift can you give a person than a gift that saves lives?” said Lt. Shauwn Howell, the department’s public information officer.

To make the deal ever better, the department has a supply of smoke detectors that are not only free, they will even come out and install them, and conduct a free home safety inspection at the same time.

“When Chief Horton took the job last year, he said he wanted this department to be involved in the community, and preventing fires is just as important to us as having to go put them out,” Howell said. “Actually prevention is more important because if we can keep a fire from happening, we’re not only saving people’s property, but in some cases their lives.”

With a number of elderly residents living in Pine Bluff, Fire Marshal Capt. Fred Tisdale said young people should consider giving their parents smoke detectors as a way to try and keep them safe.

“There are also a lot of homes with young children in them, so it’s important to not only have a smoke detector, but to insure that it’s working properly and that means changing the battery at least every six months,” he said.

With the weather changing, Tisdale said now is the time to have heating units serviced, chimneys cleaned, and prepare for colder weather.

“We’ve had a lot of fires caused by improper use of space heaters, such as putting them too close to flammable objects like curtains,” he said. “Like the name says, space heaters need space so be sure you’re setting them up in a safe place.”

To schedule an appointment to have a smoke detector installed, and for a free home safety inspection, contact the Fire and Emergency Services Department at 543-5150.

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