CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department has been awarded a $205,000 FEMA grant to support a county-wide campaign for the installation of dual smoke and carbon monoxide alarms while expanding fire prevention education. The department’s goal is to improve health and safety in our communities and reduce home damage.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for hundreds of deaths in the United States each year. The presence of a working dual smoke and carbon monoxide alarm can provide early notification, which means more time to escape a fire or avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Working alarms also can allow for earlier 911 calls and faster arrival of first responders to save lives and minimize fire damage.
A fire or carbon monoxide poisoning seconds can mean the difference between life and death. National statistics indicate smoke alarms increase survival rates by 50%, a clear indication of the vital importance of this campaign.
The grant, which is for the duration of one year, will target neighborhoods throughout Ventura County that are considered “high-risk” for home fires and lack reliable smoke alarms. Groups most at risk of being affected are seniors 65 years of age and older, youth 14 years of age and younger, low socioeconomic residents, and residents who are hard of hearing.
Through this campaign, VCFD will be working with various organizations to provide specialized smoke alarm kits to our hard-of-hearing residents.
The campaign’s goals are:
1. Installation of 1,500 long-life smoke alarms, as well as 300 specialized alarms for the hard-of-hearing
2. The planning, development and delivery of in-home fire safety educational materials and presentations to the public. Spanish speakers will be available.
3. Enhance and expand partnership with like-minded community groups and non-profits to ensure ongoing growth of the program.
For more information, contact VCFD’s Fire Safety Coordinator (Smoke Alarm Campaign) at (805) 914-3263