Washington, D.C. – (Wednesday, October 30, 2019) – Howard University students will be fanning out across the District of Columbia  this weekend to help DC Fire and EMS to install dozens of fire and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in the homes of at-risk families.  It is all part of an effort to raise awareness about fire and CO safety in the community and on campus.

Howard is the only HBCU to participate in the 3rd Annual Town/Gown Fire Safety Community Service Project. The partnership between Howard University, DC Fire and EMS, First Alert, Campus Firewatch and the Michael H. Minger Foundation will result in 100 families in the District’s Wards 1, 7, and 8 receiving the free alarms, donated by First Alert. 

It is estimated that on any given day in the United States a Fire Department responds to a five every 24 seconds and 3 out of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms.

“We are excited to be a part of the Town/Gown Project. This is a great opportunity to further educate our community and Howard University students about the importance of fire and CO safety, and equip many homes with needed alarms,” said Valarie G. Turner, Ph.D., director of Off-Campus Housing and Community Engagement at Howard University.  “Our goal is to assist and educate students, the elderly and families throughout the D.C. community to help reduce the risk of fatal fires. This helps make the community stronger and safer for everyone.”

Howard and DC Fire and EMS announced the kick-off of Bison Fire Safety today during a special broadcast with 96.3 WHUR and NBC4.  Students and Sparky the fire safety dog were on hand.  Take a look at the segment that aired this morning with Molette Green – Host of In the Community on NBC4.