HARRISBURG – State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) is teaming up with Lowe’s of DuBois to offer free smoke detectors to residents of the 75th District. The smoke detectors will be handed out starting Monday morning, March 15, in Gabler’s district office, located in the DuBois Area Plaza, Suite 10, 1221 East DuBois Ave., DuBois.
“The Kidde Company and Lowe’s have donated 200 units for us to hand out to those who need them,” said Gabler. “We move our clocks ahead this weekend, and that traditionally is a time when we are urged to check the batteries in our smoke detectors. With that in mind, we are hopeful that residents who cannot afford these life saving devices will stop by the office and pick one up.”
State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann recommends smoke alarms should be installed on every level of one’s home, especially inside each bedroom and hallways near sleeping areas. He suggests replacing a smoke alarm if it’s more than 10 years old, even if it seems to work properly. The useful life of a smoke alarm is usually 10 years.
“Installing smoke detectors is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to save lives,” Gabler added. “Firefighters can tell you a number of instances where loss of life was avoided simply because of the installation of smoke alarms.”
For more information, please visit Gabler’s Web site, RepGabler.com, and click on Fire Safety and Prevention.