Senator Benson Leads by Example - Alarmingly

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

Maryland State Senator Joanne Benson is leading by example by having a fresh smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) detector installed in her Seat Pleasant home.  Senator Benson invited firefighters into her home this Christmas Eve morning and watched as the life-saving devices were installed in her home.  "I hope others will follow and protect their loved ones and homes with working smoke alarms and CO detectors, stated Benson"

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department recommends a working smoke alarm and CO detector on every level of your home.  Alarms and detectors have an active life of 8 to 10 years and then need to be replaced. Batteries should be refreshed at least once-a-year and tested on the first day of every month to ensure they are working.  Dust or vacuum alarms to remove particles of dust that could effect their warning.

Prince George's County residents can receive the very same service provided to Senator Benson today. Simply call our Safety First Program at 301-864-SAFE (7233).  A firefighter will come to your home and install one or both of the devices for you; at no cost.  This service is made possible by generous donations of smoke and CO alarms by PEPCO, 1-800-BOARD-UP, IAFF Local 1619, Serve Pro, Minkoff Company and other county based business.

All photos provided courtesy of Acting Assistant Fire Thomas "TJ" James.

Fire Fighter Medic Technician Corey Wargo installs the alarm just outside of the sleeping area.

Senator Joanne Benson, Technician Wargo and Assistant Fire Chief Alicia Francis.

Senator Joanne Benson and Assistant Fire Chief Alicia Francis observe Technician Wargo install a working alarm.