Firefighters Bring Fire Safety Door To Door

CLAYTON, N.C. – Dozens of Clayton families are better protected from fire thanks to the Clayton Fire Department’s annual Smoke Alarm Saturday program, which helped identify safety gaps and improve fire protection in homes throughout Downtown Clayton. 

On June 6, firefighters went door to door in the area between South Lombard Street and Compton Street and between Clayton Boulevard and East Second Street to help residents make sure their homes had the early warning needed to escape safely if a fire occurred. 

Crews visited approximately 130 homes throughout the neighborhood, checking existing alarms, answering questions, and helping residents identify potential safety concerns. 

Throughout the morning, firefighters tested 28 existing alarms, replaced 15 batteries, and installed 39 new smoke alarms. They also found two homes that did not have alarms outside sleeping areas and corrected the issue during their visit. One home had no smoke alarms at all before firefighters arrived. 

The findings served as a reminder that even homes that appear safe can have hidden risks. Without working alarms in the right locations, families may not receive the warning they need to escape during an emergency. 

“Smoke alarms are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family,” said Fire Marshal Michael Tatum. “When a fire happens, every second counts. A working alarm can give people the warning they need to get out safely.” 

In addition to checking alarms, firefighters shared practical safety information with residents. They reminded families that alarms should be installed inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home. They should also be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years, even if they appear to be working properly. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Having working alarms throughout the home can cut the risk of dying in a fire by half. 

The discovery of a home without a single alarm highlighted the importance of community outreach efforts like Smoke Alarm Saturday. The smoke alarms used during the event were provided through a grant from the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, helping local departments reach more families and remove barriers that may prevent residents from replacing outdated or missing alarms. 

While the numbers tell part of the story, the goal of Smoke Alarm Saturday remains simple: helping families gain the extra time they need to escape safely when seconds matter most. 

For Captain Bryan Belvin, Community Risk Reduction Specialist for the Clayton Fire Department, the value of the event extends beyond the number of homes visited or alarms installed. 

“Every home we visit is an opportunity to make someone safer,” said Belvin. “Many people know smoke alarms are important, but they may not realize one isn’t working or that they need additional protection in certain areas of their home. We want to help families stay safe before an emergency happens.” 

Belvin said one of the most rewarding parts of the event was the response from residents. 

“For many residents, the visit provided peace of mind,” said Belvin. “The gratitude we receive from residents is incredible. People open their doors and trust us to help them protect their families. Knowing we can make a difference, even in a small way, is what makes this work so rewarding.” 

Residents with questions about smoke alarms or home fire safety can contact the Clayton Fire Department at 919-553-1520 or visit townofclaytonnc.org/fire for more information.