Free home smoke detectors offered through Kansas program

A new statewide fire prevention program through the State Fire Marshal’s Office will provide smoke alarms to be installed in homes for free.

To be eligible for the program, recipients must live in Kansas and be a homeowner living in that home.

The new statewide program will serve as a supplement to one that the Wichita Fire Department has run for several years, said Stuart Bevis, fire prevention battalion chief.

The Wichita program installs between 300 and 500 alarms each year for free depending on supply and requests, Bevis said. It is funded by donors and grants, he said.

“We will keep it going for as long as we can get smoke alarms,” he said.

In addition to installing the alarms, fire prevention teams survey people about the fire safety, Bevis said.

Wichita residents can call 316-268-4441 to talk to the fire prevention office and set up an appointment.

For more information on the statewide program, visit www.ksfm.ks.gov/smokedetector. People outside of Wichita can contact their local fire departments about a free smoke detector.

This story was originally published September 10, 2014 at 6:36 AM with the headline "Free home smoke detectors offered through Kansas program."