MDFR has focused special attention to promoting fire safety and prevention through education and outreach. This year, thanks to a partnership with Homestead Police Department and Project SOS; a group of MDFR firefighters and Public Education staff will be conducting the free smoke alarm installations and staff from HPD and Project SOS will be conducting the home fire safety inspections for pre-registered homes in Homestead.

MDFR would like to remind all residents that smoke alarms save lives. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. According the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no or non-working smoke alarms.

The free smoke alarm installation and the home safety inspection program is possible thanks to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG supports projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards in order to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations.