News Release

As part of a community-wide fire prevention effort, firefighters from the Weaverville fire department and members of the Rotary Club of Weaverville will visit local residents on April 24, 2010 to perform free smoke alarm inspections, replacing batteries and installing smoke alarms as needed.

The smoke alarm program is part of an effort to reach out to local residents, including seniors, young people and residents of neighborhoods who are vulnerable to fire deaths. Installing smoke alarms in the homes of Weaverville residents who don't have them will increase their odds of surviving a home fire.

"Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning device there is," says Earl Kilmer, Governor of Rotary District 5160 and volunteer fireman. "Just having a smoke alarm in your home cuts your chance of dying in a fire nearly in half."

Local funging for the installation project is provided by Plotzke Ace Hardware, Rotary Club of Weaverville and the Weaverville Fire Dept. During the smoke alarm inspection and installations on the 24th, Rotarians and volunteer firefighters will be visiting pre-approved residents. To get on this list call Marjie at the Weaverville Fire Staation, 623-6156, Mon-Fri from 9:00-5:00.