DCA Receives 15,000 Smoke Detectors from ABC7
Takes Part in Network's 11th Annual Operation 7: Save a Life


TRENTON - The Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Fire Safety (DFS) has received approximately 15,000 smoke detectors from ABC7. The detectors were given out as part of ABC's 11th Annual Operation 7: Save a Life campaign, which kicked off at the ESPN Zone in New York City this past Wednesday. State Fire Marshal Larry Petrillo attended the event and accepted the detectors on behalf of the Department.

"Last October, Governor Corzine called upon all New Jersey residents to increase their awareness of fire safety," said DCA Commissioner Joseph Doria. "ABC's campaign and the distribution of these detectors will play a large part in that effort and will go a long way towards protecting individuals and families from the dangers of fire."

The DFS will distribute the fire detectors to local fire departments throughout New Jersey. Those local departments will in turn hand out these detectors to residents, specifically focusing on senior citizens, lower income households, and those households with children.

Operation 7: Save a Life seeks to increase public awareness about fire safety and prevention and focuses on how to be prepared for and handle emergency situations. This is the 11th year of the campaign, which has help distribute hundreds of thousands of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to individuals who otherwise couldn't afford them.

The DFS is the central fire service agency in the State of New Jersey, responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, public education programs and firefighter training programs.

For further information on the DFS, please log on to http://www.nj.gov/dca/dfs/, or call 633-6106.