Lemay District installs more than 300 smoke detectors
Brian Hoener
Of the Suburban Journals
11/26/2003



The Lemay Fire Protection District has taken a step toward stopping fires before they start during the coming holiday season.

Over the last month, district firefighters have handed out and installed more than 300 smoke detectors in the community's high-target areas.

"High-target areas are where we've had most of our fires," district firefighter Ron Harder said.

District fire crews hit Lemay homes hard in October, which is Fire Prevention Month, Harder said. He said crews were going out to install 25 to 30 smoke detectors a day.

Lemay has always had a smoke detector program but new Fire Chief Neil Svetanics has put a greater emphasis on the program since taking the top post.

"Chief Svetanics has had us put more focus on the smoke detector program and it's worked out great because the community has responded in a very positive manner," Harder said.

Svetanics said he started a smoke detector program in St. Louis City in 1984 when he was a fire marshall for the department. He said the next year fire-related deaths were nearly cut in half.

"They're proven live-savers," Svetanics said. "I don't know when or where, but I'll promise you, they'll safe lives this year."

The additional smoke detectors should come in handy as the district prepares for a busy holiday season. Harder said the holiday season can be hazardous because of the additional lights, Christmas trees and over-used outlets.

"It's no coincidence that we've installed these smoke detectors right before a very dangerous part of the year," Harder said.



Brian Hoener can be reached by email at bhoener@yourjournal.com.