Ocoee FD installing smoke alarms

The Ocoee Fire Department and the American Red Cross will install free smoke alarms in homes throughout the Prima Vista community from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25.

Ocoee firefighters, Red Cross and volunteers will go door-to-door in the area to install new alarms, create escape plans and educate residents on the importance of having working smoke alarms. Prima Vista is located off East Orlando Avenue.

The smoke alarm blitz is part of the American Red Cross’ Sound the Alarm campaign aimed at saving lives and reducing home fire deaths and injuries. According to the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office, there are more than 304 fires in Florida homes every week. Twenty-four percent start in the kitchen and more than 22 percent are caused by faulty wiring, followed by careless smoking, children playing with matches or lighters and unattended heating devices.

More than half of Florida's fire fatalities are age 41 and over, and small children under the age of 10 make up more than 5%. Statistics show smoke detectors are not present or are inoperative in more than 53 percent of these homes.

Anyone interested in visiting homes March 25 can join the fire preparedness team by registering online at tinyurl.com/ocoee2023.

For information, call the Ocoee Fire Department at (407) 905-3140.