Smoke Alarm Maui (S.A.M.) Program has begun installations
Saturday, January 12, 2013 members of the Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD) along with two members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers(IBEW) installed the first of what will be many smoke alarms in the homes of seven(7) families here on Maui.
The smoke alarm installations were part of the Smoke Alarm Maui Program. The SAM program was initiated by the MFD in partnership with the IBEW and supported by Kaunoa Senior Services, Office on Aging, Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) and other agencies and businesses. The program is funded by a matching grant awarded to MFD from Dept of Homeland Security/FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program. The Alarms were purchased through Lowes Home Improvement with an additional order through Marmac Ace Hardware in Kahului.
“This was on of the best things I have done to help my community!” Said Capt Paul Haake of the MFD Fire Prevention Bureau. “It made me feel good to be a part and help these families.”
When asked Rufina Peralta of Waikapu said “I am so happy and blessed to be the first one to get this.” Rufina is a senior who has her daughter and grand children living with her. “I feel safe now I have this smoke alarms in my house. It is better for my family!” The seven families to receive the SAM installations were the Peralta’s, Carvalho, Kobayashi, Cruz, Dang, Takiguchi and Elizares Families.
Inspector Kapono Stupplebeen, director for this program stated “We will be installing smoke alarms in over 100 homes by the end of this round of the program. The smoke alarms are duel sensor, photoelectric and ionization battery powered alarms. They are the best of both technologies in detecting smoke from fires. We will provide as many as needed for excellent coverage to better protect our families. So far an average of 4 smoke alarms per home but we put 6 in one home because it was needed.”
“We also provide comprehensive fire safety education by doing a home safety survey, going over fire hazards and what to do about them, making a fire escape plan and even discussing slip and fall prevention with the seniors.” Said Stupplebeen. “And all of this is provided free of charge! We are using an application process to determine eligibility. If applicants are eligible they will be called to arrange an installation day.”
Preference given to:
- Applicants that own the home or apartment in whole
- Seniors who live alone or with other seniors
- Seniors who live with family but are financially unable to provide smoke alarms
- Financially challenged families with small children
- People that for what ever reason cannot afford install and who are without working Smoke Alarms.
Applications can be found at Kaunoa Senior Center in Paia, County Dept on Aging in Wailuku and Molokai, Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) office in Wailuku, Lahaina Senior Center and all County Fire Stations including Molokai and Lanai.
SAM Application and Survey2012
Any questions regarding the Smoke Alarm Maui Program can be directed to Inspector Kapono Stupplebeen at the Fire Prevention Bureau by calling 808-244-9161 ext 27.
A recent *NFPA Report stated “Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.”
In 2005-2009
- smoke alarms were present in almost three-quarters (72%) of reported home fires and sounded in half (51%) of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments
- More than one-third (38%) of home fire deaths resulted from fires in which no smoke alarms were present at all.
- One-quarter (24%) of the deaths were caused by fires in properties in which smoke alarms were present but failed to operate.
*Report: NFPA’s “Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires” Author: Marty Ahrens Issued: September 2011
