Sadly, one homeowner lost his home to a fire early Tuesday morning (Nov. 25) in The Lakes of Savannah subdivision in Rosharon. The good news was that he was alerted to the impending flames by his smoke alarms and was able to climb out a window to safety.
Since the end of September, Pearland Fire Department has been participating in the “We’re Out to Alarm Texas” program, which provides free fire safety inspections and smoke alarms to residents based on their financial or physical need.
Fire Chief Vance Riley said that turnout has been low. “People are proud,” he said. “We need to make sure that people know there’s no shame in asking us to come out. This could save lives. This is what we’re here for.”
Riley says that they started out with about 150 alarms that were provided to them by the program, which is co-sponsored by the City of Pearland and the Insurance Council of Texas.
“When we do go out to a home, we do a survey to see where the alarms need to be placed, such as near sleeping areas,” said Riley. “We then install sometimes four or five alarms throughout the house.”
Pearland Fire Department’s participation in the program is ongoing. “If we run out of smoke alarms, I’ll go buy more myself if I have to,” Riley said. “If someone needs these alarms, we’ll find a way to get them.”
This is especially important in the winter months, when unchecked heaters are run and fireplaces are lit.
Pearland residents who are interested in the We’re Out to Alarm Texas program or who would like a free home fire safety inspection may visit PearlandTX.gov/SmokeAlarm or call 281-997-4650.
