Macon-Bibb Fire Department seeking sponsors to buy fire alarms for the elderly

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb Fire Department is working to reduce the fatality rate, especially for senior citizens.

This year, four elderly people were killed as a result of house fires.

Fire Chief, Marvin Riggins says fire fatalities among the elderly usually happens because they are unable to make it to a telephone in time.

Chief, Riggins has a new program that includes businesses chipping in to help elderly residents get fire alarms.

“They will detect smoke and then automatically alert the fire department of the address, where the fire is located,” says Riggins.

The fire chief is asking businesses and civic organizations to do what they can, to ensure elderly residents have a smoke alarm system in their homes.

Thom Phillips of BAP Security System is helping to reduce elderly fire fatalities through his company and his civic organization called the, Kiwanis club.

Riggins believes the community coming together to help each other will make the program a success.

“Anything that we can do to effect the livelihood of our customers, which are our citizens, then it’s a win win for everybody,” says Riggins.

For more information how your company, civic organization, or group can help the Macon-Bibb Fire Department reduce elderly fire fatalities call (478) 751-9180.