Major Donation Aids Philadelphia Fire Department Effort To Install Smoke Detectors

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A big donation from the insurance industry will continue to buy smoke detectors for Philadelphia residents who need them.

"The funds given today will make a positive, and possibly a life-saving difference tomorrow," says Joe Flores of the Citizens for Fire Prevention Committee.

Flores accepted a $45,000 check from the Insurance Society of Philadelphia. Society President Russ Shaner says the money comes from a text-to-pledge event at their annual gala.

"We post the texts on a big screen, so all those that are in attendance can see who's texting and what the text amount is," Shaner says. "And that's what creates a little bit of the competition."

Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer says the money will buy 5,000 smoke detectors.

"Even though 5,000 smoke alarms isn't a lot," he says, "it's still going to help us target that high-risk community or high-risk population that can't afford to buy smoke alarms."

Sawyer says anyone who can't afford a smoke alarm should call 311 and the Philadelphia Fire Department will install one at no charge.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.