Operation Save-a-Life
Every child born at PMMC leaves with a smoke detector
Smoke Detector Facts/Statistics
Program Information
The Consortium
The Phillies Fire Company sought a joint initiative to promote this program not only for financial assistance but to promote the saving and protecting of lives. Involving as many fire companies as possible helps to make this program an interregional initiative that can have a huge impact on our respective communities. The lead fire companies so far are the Phillies Fire Company, Empire Hook and Ladder, and Goodwill Fire/Rescue and Ambulance.
Background
Operation Save-a-Life originally started in 1995 after a tragic fire in Pine Forge that killed four children. The Phillies Fire Company responded to that fatal fire in full force to provide mutual aide. After the fire, we all swore to ourselves that we were going to do something to prevent another catastrophic tragedy. A letter was sent home with every child in the borough of Pottstown promoting a free smoke detector give-away program. The response was overwhelming. Our firefighters began installing smoke detectors in the homes of local families in their spare time but they could not keep up. Several hundred smoke detectors were installed but we only made a small dent in the number of requests. The number of homes in Pottstown that were not protected by a single smoke detector was alarming and something needed to change.
Operation Save-a-Life II promotes the use of smoke detectors at a critical time of change for new parents. The birth of a child produces a profound level of change in parents' lives. As a result, parents become more conscious of safety in the home to protect their child. The focus behind this program is to make parents more aware that they need smoke detectors in their homes in order to protect themselves and their families from the perils of fire. "Operation Save-a-Life II" captures this critical time of change to promote the practice of installing and maintaining smoke detectors in the home. Providing a free smoke detector makes parents aware of this important life saving device that is sometimes forgotten. After all, parents are one hundred percent responsible for a newborn baby's safety, security, and survival.
A secondary goal is to promote fire prevention and safety in the home. Currently, a letter accompanies every smoke detector that explains the program and the importance of smoke detectors. In the future, an "Operation Save-a-Life II" pamphlet will be provided to every new mother that includes information about the importance of home fire drills and important life saving strategies. Sources of safety information are listed on the back panel of the pamphlet that include topics about car seat safety, safe automobile ratings, consumer product recalls, and fire safety for infants and toddlers.
Funding
Thirteen local fire companies in the greater Pottstown area were solicited for participation in this program and for financial assistance. Eight hundred children were born at PMMC last year and we realized quickly that outside financial help was essential. The expense to fund this program for one year would be approximately five thousand dollars. From the beginning, nine of the thirteen solicited fire companies were needed to make this a complete local fire department success. In 2006, the Phillies Fire Company will submit a grant application to the Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation to fund the program after all other fire company and private company resources run out.
In February 2006, a $500 dollar grant provided by the Wal-Mart Foundation purchased 100 smoke detectors to carry the program into April.
A fund raiser by the Red Knights International Firefighters local chapter #17, provided 125 smoke detectors to carry the program into July 2006.
In May, 2006, a grant was provided by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation to carry the program into 2007. The grant money will be used to purchase approximately 1000 smoke detectors, educational pamphlets, and fire safety surveys.
Progress
As of June, 2006, 510 smoke detectors have been delivered to PMMC's Maternity & Women's Health center. PMMC has an average of 65 births per month and 800 births per year. Additional financial resources are being sought from other fire companies, the corporate community, and grant money from charitable institutions. Email Gadget65@aol.com for more information.
06/17/2007