Fire Prevention

Most fire fatalities take place in the home. One particular study reveals that two-thirds of all fire deaths in the United States occur in the 12 percent of households that have no smoke detectors. Early detection of any fire is important; however, the detection of smoke can make the difference between life and death. Smoke detectors are designed to warn occupants of various gases, in the form of smoke, which is extremely toxic to the human body and will cause respiratory arrest within minutes of exposure. The Hancock Fire Company announces the Residential Smoke Detector Give-Away Program. The program is designed as an attempt to reduce the loss of life from accidental fires in the home by providing residential homeowners with a smoke detector and battery at No Charge. Trained fire personnel will install and test the smoke detector at no charge to the resident in accordance with code regulations and instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

The actual placement of a smoke detector in a home is very important. The hallway outside each sleeping area is the most advantageous location for proper protection. A detector should be mounted at the center of the ceiling and at least three feet from any air register. If placement on the ceiling can not be achieved, the detector may be mounted on an interior wall, four to twelve inches from the ceiling. In multi-story dwelling, smoke detectors should be placed on every level, and in the vicinity of the basement stairs, if possible.

If you are a residential homeowner in need of smoke detector(s) fire company at 301-678-7739 to arrange for your FREE smoke detector. We also have a limited supply of small fire extinguishers and CO2 detectors (for gas users) available. All these are made available through a grant from FEMA.

The Hancock Fire Company is open to the public for tours. If you would like to schedule an official tour for scouts, daycares, or a school field trip, please feel free to contact us at 301-678-7739. Programs feature "SPARKY the ROBOT" and included information about fire safety tips and a tour of the station, as well as information about the protective equipment that firefighters use and the fire trucks (the kids love this one).