In recent years, three-fifths of America’s home-fire fatalities have occurred in homes without smoke detectors. More than half of all fatal home fires happen at night. An inexpensive household smoke detector can mean the difference between life and death. Fire deaths are not usually from the fire itself but from the smoke the fire produces. Current building and fire codes for new construction require one smoke detector in each sleeping area, as well as hallways or areas leading to sleeping areas.

It is the goal of the Santee Fire Department to have working smoke detectors in every home in the City. Public education and building code requirements assist with this effort. To further assist and provide a higher level of service to the residents of Santee, the Fire Department began a unique program in April 1998. As members of the fire department respond to emergency calls, they check the smoke detectors within the homes and replace batteries to ensure their working condition. If the home does not have a working smoke detector, the fire department will install one for no charge.

The fire department responds to more than 6,000 emergencies a year. Since many of these emergencies occur in homes, it is an opportunity for the fire department to provide this additional service. So far this year, more than 40 homes have received smoke detectors. More than 75 batteries have been replaced.

Free smoke detectors and information on their installation and use will be provided on an appointment basis by calling the Santee Fire Department Senior Volunteers (RSVP) office at 258-4100, ext 187.

For More Information on the Smoke Detector Program, call (619) 258-4100 x 187 or email us