Mount Clemens fire department rolls out free smoke and carbon-monoxide detector program

Mount Clemens fire officials announced a new smoke-detector and carbon-monoxide detector program that will provide free detector “bags” to residents, equipped with batteries and instructions and supported by donations from local businesses and service clubs.

Captain Shipman and Lieutenant Candela described the program during the city commission meeting, citing rising civilian fire deaths statewide and the department’s goal of increasing early-warning devices in homes. “The main mission of the Mount Clemens Fire Department is to protect lives and protect property,” Lieutenant Candela said.

Fire department presenters said they sought to provide detectors at no cost to the city by soliciting donations. Meijer was listed as a major donor that supplied detectors and carbon-monoxide alarms at cost; additional support will come from local organizations listed on the distribution bag, including the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Optimist Club, the Goodfellows, and Johnson Printing. Presenters said they also received a private donor contribution of 400 nine-volt batteries.

Each bag will include at least one detector, replacement batteries, instructions on how to mount the device and a form that recipients must sign with their address to document distribution. Fire officials said the program is available to any resident: call the fire department during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, to request a bag or pick one up. Staff emphasized they will provide guidance on correct installation and will not be leaving devices without an installation plan.

The department said it initiated the program because modern fires can spread more quickly and earlier warning can save lives. The presentation noted that, although the number of fires has decreased, fire deaths in Michigan rose in the most recent reporting year.

Commissioners and the public thanked the department and the community donors for supporting the initiative; commissioners encouraged residents to take advantage of the free detectors.