November 12, 2003

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Asst. to the Fire Chief
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2411, page: 675-2137

Fire Department to Check Neighborhood for Smoke Detectors Today

Door to door checks to be done in area where two children lost their lives in house fire . . .

In the week following the deaths of two children in a house fire, the Shreveport Fire Department has taken extra measures in trying to get the message out about fire safety and the importance of having a working smoke detector in every home. Now the fire department is taking their plea one step further and will be going door to door this afternoon in checking with homeowners and residents in the Cedar Grove neighborhood where the fire occurred for the life saving appliances. The effort is part of a partnership with LOWE’S Home Improvement Warehouse of Shreveport who will provide, and along with firefighters, install smoke detectors on the spot for those homes in need.

The group will start at the LOWE’S store, 2710 Alkay Drive, at 1:00 p.m. today (November 12) and move to the site of last week’s deadly fire in the 4100 block of St. Vincent Avenue.

The response by the public has been overwhelmed with requests for smoke detectors since last week’s fire and the department is being hard pressed to keep up with the demand for the appliances. More than 200 requests have been received this week alone and the partnership with LOWE’S provides the fire department with another source for receiving and installing smoke detectors.

"Between previous and on-going efforts to place a smoke detector in every home in Shreveport, this latest initiative can only enhance that goal and save a life in the future," said Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. Anyone needing a smoke detector and/or installation can contact the Shreveport Fire Department at 673-6740. Because of the increased demand, the fire department is also seeking smoke detector donations at the same number. ###