Since 2002, the state has made electronic smoke detectors and their installation available to qualifying residents.

Unlike battery-powered smoke detectors, they are wired into a home’s electrical system and have a battery backup, said Michael Chionchio, a deputy chief state fire marshal.

Owner-occupied homes with residents age 62 or older, infirm or disabled adults or children may qualify for the detectors.

Since 1994, state law requires that all homes must have at least a battery-powered smoke detector installed on every level.

Since 1993, all new homes must be built with electronic smoke alarms.

In 2000, Rep. Wayne A. Smith, R-Wilmington, came up with the idea to make it possible for older and infirm residents to have automatic alarms, because it can be difficult for them to change batteries, said Willard F. Preston III, the state fire marshal.

"They were being left out," Mr. Preston said.

Qualifying residents are given a list of pre-approved electricians to call to have the devices installed.

The state covers the $300 cost for the equipment and installation through money from the national tobacco lawsuit settlement and fines collected from false alarms.

The state relies on municipal and social workers or local fire departments to refer homes that qualify for the installations.

David Truax, the city of Dover fire marshal, said his office has referred at least one home for the program.

Since the program started, 426 households statewide have qualified, Mr. Preston said.

Devices have been installed in 387 homes, with the rest waiting for installation, he said.

The turnaround time between qualification and installation is about 30 days, he said.

Despite results that show smoke detectors can help save lives, not everyone takes advantage, Mr. Preston said.

In 2002, the state had its lowest number of fire deaths and it seemed that battery-powered smoke detectors were flying off store shelves, he said.

"Unfortunately, I think people are becoming complacent," Mr. Preston said.

With 18 fire deaths in 2005, he believes there might be an upswing.

Homes might have battery-powered smoke detectors but residents will remove the batteries to replace later, he said.

"Unfortunately, later never comes," Mr. Preston said.

Mr. Truax said the electronic alarms work well because if one goes off, they all sound.

However, he’s found that some residents will disabled the system to avoid it sounding when dinner burns or other smoke triggers it.

"Which is kind of disheartening," Mr. Truax said.

In Delaware and across the country, firefighters have spent much time and energy promoting the need to have smoke detectors in homes.

Since 2002, the state fire marshal’s office also has offered special smoke alarms for qualifying visually and hearing-impaired residents, Mr. Preston said.

One has a device that can be placed under a pillow and vibrates, alerting the resident when the alarm has been activated. Another has a strobe light.

Mr. Green said at least three or four Harrington residents have qualified for the state’s program and had alarms installed.

The fire company, he said, still has battery-powered smoke detectors available for free.

Residents can go to the department or call to get one.

"There’s no reason for people not to have smoke detectors," Mr. Green said.

By Kate House-Layton, Delaware State News
http://www.newszap.com/articles/2006/01/17/dm/central_delaware/dsn04.txt