Bluffton, SC – This past Saturday, October 12, the Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) conducted a highly successful Smoke Alarm Blitz in the Brendan Woods community, surpassing national averages for home visits and installations. With the assistance of community partners and volunteers, BTFD visited all 62 homes in the neighborhood, achieving a remarkable 53% home entry rate compared to the national average of just 30%.
During the blitz, 114 new smoke alarms were installed, batteries were replaced in existing alarms, and home fire extinguishers were checked for readiness. Additionally, residents received important fire safety education, including instructions on developing their own personal home fire escape plans. They were also provided with valuable resources on staying safe in their homes, covering topics such as candle safety, electrical safety, cooking and appliance safety, smoking safety, and heating safety.
The smoke alarms were provided by South Carolina State Fire through a grant from the American Red Cross, making this event possible. A total of 33 individuals from multiple organizations came together to make the blitz a success. Volunteers included members of Bluffton Township Fire District, Bluffton Firefighter Explorer Post 241, the Bluffton Firefighter Foundation, the Town of Bluffton, the Bluffton Police Department, and Sparklight (formerly Hargray). Their combined efforts helped ensure that the Brendan Woods community is now better equipped to handle fire emergencies.
To celebrate the success of the blitz, residents were treated to a community cookout at the Habitat for Humanity Community Center. The Bluffton Police Department manned the grill, with Sparklight generously providing food and drinks for attendees and volunteers alike.
Bluffton Township Fire District’s Public Information Officer, Stephen Combs, stated, “The Smoke Alarm Blitz was an incredible demonstration of community collaboration and fire safety awareness. We are grateful to all the volunteers and residents who made this event such a success. Ensuring that homes have working smoke alarms and that families have a home fire escape plan in place are some of the most important actions we can take to protect lives.”
The BTFD Smoke Alarm Blitz was part of National Fire Prevention Week, which emphasizes the importance of having working smoke alarms and practicing fire safety in every home. Residents who were unable to participate in the blitz can still request free smoke alarms, home safety visits, and fire safety resources through Bluffton Township Fire District by calling (843) 757-2800 or visiting BlufftonFD.com.
