The Columbus Fire Department is thanking a local business for its donation of smoke alarms. Capt. Mike Wilson, department spokesman, says that CFD received 30 battery powered smoke alarms from the Columbus Lowe’s Store on Monday. He says these smoke alarms will be provided to families who are currently without working smoke alarms in the department’s ongoing efforts to save lives, homes and property.

Columbus Firefighters met with store management and employees to thank them for the contribution. “We are happy to do it,” said Chris Johnson, manager of the Lowe’s location in Columbus. “For a project like this, we have the opportunity to do the right thing for the right people,” Johnson said. He said that his team is always eager to be involved in the community. Wilson adds that Lowe’s has partnered with the Columbus Police and Fire Departments the past two years in providing a venue for the annual City of Columbus Public safety Family Fun Day event. This event, held in the Lowe’s parking lot, is a free community event where community member have the opportunity to learn more the City’s emergency services providers and equipment.

CFD Chief Mike Compton also thanked the store and its employees. “This donation comes at a time when our on-hand supply of alarms has been depleted. We are very appreciative of Lowe’s generosity,” said Compton.” He went on to say that the department relies on donations to be able to provide smoke alarms to families in need. Wilson says that these donations are needed. He noted that CFD has responded to 19 residential fires causing damages to property of at least $1000. Of those incidents, he says that eight homes did not have working smoke alarms.

If you are in need of a working smoke alarm, Wilson says they are available at the Columbus Fire Department Administrative offices at 1101 Jackson Street. He says an alarm can be picked up Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you would like to donate a new smoke alarm, you can do so at the same location, during the same hours.