Behind the Badge
Dozens of Cypress residents will now sleep more soundly knowing their families will be warned if there is a fire.
The Cypress Police Department, in partnership with the Orange County Fire Authority, installed new smoke alarms in 67 homes at Lincoln Center Mobile Home Park at 9080 Bloomfield Avenue.
“Thirteen teams made up of about 40 volunteers went door-to-door Aug. 15 to offer free smoke alarms, and more than 200 alarms were installed,” said Jennifer Baldwin, Emergency Services Coordinator with Cypress PD.
“We really wanted to be involved with our community and help residents,” Baldwin said. “We wanted to support OCFA and get out there to be part of this event.
“Everybody was really thankful that we were doing this.”
Explorers from the Cypress Police Department help install fire alarms at a family mobile home park in Cypress. More than 60 residents were given free smoke alarms as part of a program from the Orange County Fire Authority. Photo courtesy Cypress PD.
Baldwin said some of the homes weren’t equipped with any smoke alarms, but many had outdated hard-wired systems that were installed, but not functioning.
Smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries were installed, with some homes receiving multiple alarms.
Volunteers from the American Red Cross and Cypress Mayor Rob Johnson were also among those who canvassed the neighborhood.
“Smoke alarms can save lives, so we were happy to come out and help make these residents’ homes safer,” Johnson said. “Police, fire and volunteers also took the time to help educate residents on other ways they can be prepared in case of a fire.”
Mayor Rob Johnson, right, was among the volunteers installing dozens of smoke alarms for residents of the Lincoln Center mobile home park. Photo courtesy Cypress PD.
Residents were offered tips on how to inspect and maintain their smoke alarms and were given fire safety pamphlets.
OCFA officials say about two-thirds of fire deaths happen in homes without a working smoke alarm.
Alarms should be installed in the hallway outside sleeping areas, in every sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Residents should test their alarms every month, clean them once a year and replace them every 10 years, OCFA officials said.
The OCFA also offered these tips for residents:
– Create a home escape plan with two ways to safely exit the home.
– Families should practice at-home fire drills at least twice a year.
– If the smoke alarm goes off, crawl close to the ground; smoke will rise and it will be easier to breathe.
– Once outside, call 911 and do not re-enter the home for any reason.
More than 200 smoke alarms were installed during a fire safety event hosted by the Orange County Fire Authority and Cypress PD. Photo courtesy Cypress PD.
