Lenoir firefighter says smoke alarms available; 'I've never seen us turn anyone down'
Jul. 11—LENOIR — A couple and their dog survived a fire on the 1500 block of Fairbanks Drive last February, but the house was a total loss and a vehicle was also lost in the fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical and it originated in the attic, according to a report by the North Catawba Fire Department. Residents who don't have smoke alarms and can't afford them can call the Fire Department at (828) 757-2190, according to cityoflenoir.com. The Fire Department will come install them for free.
"I've never seen us turn anyone down," Engineer Miranda Harper of the Lenoir Fire Department Headquarters told the News-Topic by telephone on Tuesday (July 11) afternoon. Harper said the fire department has smoke alarms in stock, and will go out and purchase more if needed. Harper said the Caldwell County Fire Marshal Office, which can be reached at (828) 757-1277, also offers smoke alarms.
Harper recommends testing the home's smoke alarms at the first of every month, and replacing the batteries every six months. She said the smoke alarms have about a 10-year shelf life.
"After 10 years, throw them out," she said.
A smoke alarm is recommended on every level of the home and in each bedroom and hallway, and if anyone in the home is hard of hearing, alarms with strobe lights or bed shakers are recommended, according to tdi.texas.gov; to test smoke alarms, press the test button.
