The Shaker Heights Fire Department was awarded a $45,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to install 2,500 new photoelectric smoke alarms in the homes of Shaker residents. The total project cost of $50,000 includes a $5,000 match from the City.
Citizens were encouraged to register for the free smoke alarms and all 2500 alarms were quickly requested. The fire department is continuing to install these alarms as of this date.
“The Shaker Heights Fire Department is excited about this grant opportunity which will enable our firefighters to install photoelectric smoke detectors in approximately 1,000 homes. These detectors have sealed lithium ion batteries which require no maintenance during the 10 year life span of the detector. This is a great opportunity for Shaker Heights firefighters to have a major impact on the safety of the residents we protect,” says Fire Chief Patrick Sweeney.
The giveaway program was open to all residents of Shaker Heights who do not have an automatic, monitored alarm system. Residents must agree to allow the Fire Department to install the smoke alarms, which it will do without charge.
Shaker Heights was the first city in Ohio to enact a photoelectric smoke alarm ordinance.