Free Smoke Detectors Offered

Mount Pleasant firefighters are installing free smoke detectors.

The program is being funded by a grant from Centers for Disease Control and administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Smoke detectors are issued in 100-count blocks until all units are gone and the public is invited to contact the department at (843) 884-0623 or email Division Chief Alton Tyler at atyler@tompsc.com for additional information.

“I urge residents in need of smoke detectors to contact us as soon as possible,” said Fire Chief Herb Williams. “Smoke kills and most fire victims die from smoke inhalation than burns. Smoke detectors are one of the best safety devices to protect your family and your home.”

The new smoke detectors are good for approximately 10 years and are tamper proof. Once installed, the units will be self-sustaining and do not require a change of batteries.

When the 10-year cycle is completed, the detector should be disposed of and replaced with a new unit. Residents should still perform their monthly testing by pressing the test button on the smoke detector. If the detector fails the test, the detector should be replaced.

Mount Pleasant Fire Department staff will install new smoke detectors and replace batteries in older models free of charge. Expect a 24-48 hour turnaround time on all requests. The Mount Pleasant Fire Department routinely installs 200-300 smoke detectors annually in residents’ homes.

For more information on the Mount Pleasant Fire Department visit the town online at www.tompsc.com or call (843) 884-0623.