ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, September 18, 1996          TAG: 9609180072
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG

FIRE DEPARTMENT, REALTOR JOIN FORCES TO INSTALL DETECTORS

Ninety-seven percent of the people who died in fires in Virginia last year did not have a properly working smoke detector, according to the local fire prevention coordinator.

Wayne Garst said the Blacksburg Fire Department - with a donation from Raines Real Estate - ordered more than 100 smoke detectors for a free installation program. The detectors will be installed in homes throughout Blacksburg that do not have detectors.

"We want to keep it a simple process," Garst said.

Citizens can request a smoke detector by calling the Fire Department at 961-1175. A firefighter will go to the person's home, install the detector and inspect the home for other fire hazards. After the inspection, the firefighter will offer suggestions to decrease the home's risk of fire.

Children, the elderly and the poor have the highest chance of being hurt of killed in a fire, Garst said. Those are the main people the department will try to reach with this program.

The smoke detector program melds well with this year's Fire Prevention Week theme: "Let's hear it for Fire Safety, Test Your Detectors!"

Garst said the department is encouraging monthly smoke detector tests in every home. He said if the detector does not work, replace the battery. If it still does not work, and the detector is more than 10 years old, it may be time to buy a new one.

"As they get older they become less efficient," he said.

Any questions about smoke detectors or fire safety can be answered by calling Garst at 961-1175 or send questions by e-mail to bvfd@bev.net.

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