Lowe’s donates smoke detectors to department

Lowe’s in Columbus has donated 30 battery-powered smoke alarms to be given to families locally who need working smoke detectors.

The donation is part of an ongoing effort by the Columbus Fire Department to prevent fire-related deaths and reduce damage to property from fires.

In addition to donating the smoke detectors, Lowe’s has partnered with the Columbus police and fire departments by providing a venue for the annual City of Columbus Public Safety Family Fun Day, a free community event where residents may learn more about emergency service providers and equipment.

The Columbus Fire Department has responded to 19 residential fires this year that caused more than $1,000 in damage. In eight of those incidents, the homes did not have working smoke alarms.

Local residents who don’t have a working smoke detector and can’t afford them should contact the Columbus Fire Department administrative offices, 1101 Jackson St., between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, or call 812-376-2568. Anyone wishing to donate a new smoke alarm to the department may drop it off at the administrative offices during the same hours weekdays.