AASC Will Install Smoke Alarms in Eligible Homes

Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC) has begun installation of free smoke alarms in an effort to reduce fire losses, injuries and deaths.

The smoke alarms are provided through a state Get Alarmed, Virginia! grant. The grant targets homes with children under age five and adults 65 and older.

AASC’s goal is to provide fire safety education and 500 free smoke alarms for 225 households in its four county service area. AASC also will provide staff to install alarms in residences in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties.

All households with an adult age 65 or older and all households with a child age five or younger may request a smoke detector by calling Chris Lester at 276-964-4915 or 1-800-656-2272.

Since its implementation in 1998, the Get Alarmed, Virginia! program has been credited with saving many lives across the Commonwealth of Virginia. It has also prevented millions of dollars in property loss.

Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), this program is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 80 percent of all U.S. fire deaths occur at home. Younger children and older adults have a higher risk of dying in a home fire. Research shows that the chances of dying in a residential fire are cut in half when a working smoke alarm is properly installed and operating.

AASC is one of Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging designated by the Virginia Department for the Aging to carry out the department’s mission to foster the dignity, independence and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with communities at the local level. AASC offers information and services for older adults residing in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. Visit the organization’s website at www.aasc.org or call toll-free at 1-800-656-2272.