Gwinnett Commissioners agreed Tuesday to accept funding from the Michigan Public Health Institute for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to participate in “Sound Off with the Home Safety Patrol.” The program provides second and third graders with instruction on fire safety and the importance of working smoke alarms.
A Department of Homeland Security-Federal Emergency Management Agency grant provides a $10,000 stipend to use for smoke alarms, educational materials, promotional items and incentives for student participation.
The department will meet with leaders at Chesney Elementary in Norcross and Patrick Elementary in Buford about the program. Both schools are named for fallen Gwinnett firefighters who dedicated their lives to fire safety and education advocacy.
Students will learn about smoke alarms and fire safety from firefighters. They will also participate in activities that encourage families to work together to count and test smoke alarms at home and report the findings in class. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to request a visit by firefighters if their home lacks working smoke alarms.
About the Author
