Free Smoke Alarms To Be Distributed Feb. 1

TAMPA, FL – Following the death of a east Tampa woman who died after her home caught fire Jan. 7, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Red Cross are joining forces to provide smoke alarms to needy residents.

Fire Rescue and the Red Cross will distribute more than 250 free smoke alarms to those who can’t afford to purchase one starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at Good News Ministries of Tampa Bay, 5474 Williams Road, Tampa.

The giveaway comes on the heels of the death of Tiffany Walker, 40, who perished in her east Tampa home when it caught fire and she lacked a smoke alarm to alert her of the danger. Walker, the mother of five and grandmother of four, was battling cervical cancer and was too weak to escape her home.

Red Cross and fire rescue personnel will be on hand at the distribution to show residents how to install their smoke alarms and provide tips on how to escape a burning home.

In addition, the team is expected to visit about 30 homes along Lee and Ross streets to install alarms for residents who need them.

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of fatal home fires in half. About 85 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home and the majority happen at night when people are sleeping.

However, simply having a smoke alarm is no protection, say fire rescue officials. Often they fail to sound due to missing, dead or disconnected batteries. Residents should test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace them every 10 years.

Residents living in unincorporated Hillsborough County who own their home and do not have a working smoke alarm may request a free one from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue by calling (813) 272-6000 or through the county’s website.

Walker's friends have set up a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money for her family who lost all their possessions in the fire. To donate, visit GoFundMe.

Firefighters battle flames engulfing the east Tampa home of Tiffany Walker.

Image via Hillsborough County Fire Rescue