Detroit’s Fire Department (DFD) is stepping up its game this October, focusing on saving lives through community outreach and education during National Fire Prevention Week. The theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!,” puts a critical spotlight on home safety, especially for Detroit’s residents who may not have working smoke alarms in their homes. In addition to discussing safety, the Fire Department is taking action, announcing a major new initiative to install 5,000 smoke alarms by October 2025. It’s a hands-on effort to protect the community, and they’re bringing the message home with education, fun, and food.
This week, DFD is hosting three events aimed at educating Detroiters about fire safety. Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy free pizza, music, and even the DFD Clown Corps, but the heart of these gatherings is about learning. Attendees can tour the Mobile Fire Safety Unit, a tool designed to simulate real-life fire scenarios and teach residents how to respond. The DFD is serious about preparing families for emergencies, offering Hands-Only CPR training as a key skill for every household.
What makes this week truly stand out is DFD’s commitment to tangible action. The smoke alarm installation initiative is a direct response to the ongoing need for safety in homes across Detroit. Residents attending the events can sign up to have DFD install smoke alarms for free. As a special bonus, the first 30 families to register at each event will receive a free fire extinguisher. The message is clear: DFD wants to make sure every Detroit household is equipped to prevent fires and respond in emergencies.
Fire safety is a serious issue, but DFD knows that education can be fun too. Music, dancing, and the DFD Clown Corps are all part of the celebration, making it an event the whole family can enjoy while learning how to keep their homes safe. Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms, Fire Marshal Donald Thomas, and Fire Prevention Chief Donald Hunter will be on-site to meet residents and share fire safety tips. These leaders understand that community engagement is essential for building trust and ensuring that lifesaving messages reach every corner of the city.
For Detroiters, these events are more than just an opportunity to get free pizza and enjoy a good time—they’re a chance to invest in the safety of their homes and families. The importance of smoke alarms cannot be overstated, and the Fire Department’s initiative is about making sure that every household, no matter its income or location, has the tools it needs to stay safe. Smoke alarms are often the first line of defense in a fire, and this week’s theme reminds residents that having working alarms can be the difference between life and death.
This is not the first time DFD has taken fire prevention education seriously, but this year’s focus on smoke alarms and hands-on training goes further than before. The department’s commitment to installing 5,000 alarms over the next year is a bold move, demonstrating that that they’re making sure Detroiters have the tools and knowledge they need. It’s a powerful example of how city departments can engage with the community in meaningful ways, addressing real needs with practical solutions.
The events are open to all, and the Fire Department is encouraging media and residents to come out, connect with firefighters, and take part in the activities. For families, it’s an opportunity to enjoy a fun day out while gaining valuable knowledge that could one day save their lives.
The final Fire Prevention Week event will be held Saturday, October 12, from 12-3 PM at Engine 56, located at 18601 Ryan Road. It’s a day that promises not just fun but a deeper connection to safety for everyone who attends.
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