TAYLOR — The Detroit Red Wings have joined the Taylor Fire Department in emphasizing the importance of smoke detectors.
The team has distributed 1,300 detectors to fire officials from the city and six other agencies. Most of the devices were collected at Red Wings games in December.
Red Wings standout Henrik Zetterberg, the spokesman for the team’s annual smoke detector collection, presented hundreds of the detectors to Taylor Fire Chief Vince Fedel and Fire Marshal John Hager. Several other
fire departments also participated. Zetterberg matched the total number of detectors collected at Wings games with a personal donation.
Taylor firefighters distribute the detectors free to city residents who can’t afford the devices for their own homes. The devices are available at the Midtown Fire Station, 23345 Goddard Road.
“I am happy to again be part of such an important and worthwhile program,” Zetterberg said. “House fires are tragedies, but in many cases they can be prevented. My hope is that we can bring increased awareness to the need for everyone to have working smoke detectors installed in their homes.”
Hager cautioned that smoke detectors are effective only if they are installed, maintained and have a working battery.
“Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years,” Hager said. “Families should practice what to do in case of a fire in their home.
“The Taylor Fire Department would like to thank Henrik Zetterberg, public relations director Kelly Kearly and the Red Wings organization for all that they do for the communities.”
In a related issue, Hager cautioned residents and business owners that some companies are selling and misinforming residents about fire service, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
“I urge the community to contact their local fire department if they have any questions pertaining to the fire protection equipment,” he said.