TYLER, Texas — The Tyler Fire Department says their inaugural "Fire Safety Blitz" was a huge success having installed nearly 70 new smoke alarms in Tyler homes.
CBS19 joined firefighters as they walked through neighborhoods Wednesday checking and replacing smoke alarms.
Preliminary numbers indicate firefighters made contact with approximately 250 houses in the area surrounding a recent fatal structure fire at 1805 North Grand Avenue. Almost 70 new smoke alarms were installed with accompanying safety checks and tips from local Tyler firefighters.
For homes that already had smoke alarms in place, about 50 batteries where changed, ensuring that one of the most important appliances in the home is up-to-date and ready to protect residents in the event of a fire.
While firefighters found some homes unoccupied at the time of the blitz, more than 150 informational tags were placed on doors with information on contacting the fire department if occupants want to schedule an install at a later date.
The TFD wishes to remind Tylerites to test their smoke alarms regularly, eliminate hazards in the home and have an escape plan in place.
Citizens are encouraged to contact the fire department at (903) 535-0005 to schedule a smoke alarm installation or to obtain additional fire safety information.
