Annual Smoke Alarm Initiative Launched to Enhance Safety Across North Carolina
In a bid to enhance fire safety awareness and protection, more than 150 fire departments in North Carolina are gearing up for a significant safety initiative. The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), in collaboration with Kidde and State Farm, has rolled out the annual “Smoke Alarm Saturday” campaign, aiming to equip homes with free smoke alarms and educate families on fire safety protocols.
The event, which officially kicked off in Fairview, NC, at the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, will see efforts spread across 62 counties. Scheduled for Saturday, June 7, the initiative plans to distribute over 4,700 smoke alarms. Of these, State Farm has generously donated 1,200 alarms through OSFM grant funding and partner support.
Adding to the initiative, Kidde has made a substantial equipment contribution to aid 12 Western North Carolina fire departments still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The donation includes more than 5,000 smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers, benefiting the following departments:
- Leicester VFD
- Fairview VFD
- Reems Creek VFD
- Reynolds FD
- Weaverville FD
- Swannanoa Fire Rescue
- Beaverdam VFD
- Black Mountain VFD
- Garren Creek VFD
- Skyland FD
- Asheville FD
- Jupiter FD
“This initiative is about saving lives,” emphasized State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. “Every alarm installed is a potential life saved. Our firefighters and volunteers are going door-to-door, ensuring homes have working smoke alarms and that families know how to respond in case of fire.”
The launch event featured notable speakers such as Kidde representative Stephanie Berzinski, State Farm’s Tammy Murphy, Red Cross Regional Director Jerri Goldberg, and Fairview Fire Chief Scott Jones. Each speaker highlighted the critical role of early detection and community readiness in saving lives.
After the ceremony, media representatives were given the opportunity to accompany local fire crews on their efforts to install smoke alarms and engage with the community, witnessing the impact of the initiative firsthand.
The OSFM acknowledges the invaluable support from partners, volunteers, and local fire departments, which has been instrumental in the ongoing success of “Smoke Alarm Saturday” each year.
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