CAMDEN — On Saturday, Nov. 14, members of the Somers Township Fire Department, Camden Police Department and the American Red Cross installed 98 smoke detectors throughout Camden through a grant program with the American Red Cross.
This is the first time the departments have been partnered in the program with the American Red Cross, and they were able to give away and install smoke detectors in the Quail Creek and North and South Shawnee Plains sections of Camden.
Somers Township Fire Department Lieutenant Josh Forrer said the department is set for a five-year partnership with the American Red Cross and is hopeful they can bring the program back in the spring.
The departments were not only installing new detectors, but also checked existing detectors for proper operation.
Forrer also said winter is a good time to check smoke detectors.
“Winter is a busy time for us due to many people in our community having fire places, wood burning stoves and other alternative heating sources,” he said.
“Many times, if the chimney isn’t properly cleaned and there is a buildup of creosote, it will cause a chimney fire,” Forrer said about winter heating. “If it is not recognized relatively quickly, it can lead to a structure fire. It’s critical to have working smoke detectors in the home to alert you in case of a fire.”
