Yesterday, the State Fire Marshall announced the goal of installing 10,000 of the lifesaving devices in homes during the next two years.
The Get Alarmed program offers up to three free smoke alarms for Indiana homeowners. The program works with local fire departments and service providers to properly install the alarms and educate residents about fire prevention and safety.
Get Alarmed is funded with a federal grant. The $521,000 grant will provide 10,000 smoke alarms containing 10-year lithium batteries. It also provides for 1,000 alarms for deaf and hard-of-hearing people and education for residents, fire departments and service providers.
Last year, the State Fire Marshal tracked 93 fatalities from home fires, a 29 percent increase from 72 recorded the previous year.