Tulsa Fire Department Gives Free Home Safety Makeovers

The Tulsa Fire Department is adding peace of mind for seniors with a free Home Safety Makeover.

The department received a grant from FEMA to replace smoke detectors and other safety items in homes.

The grant provided enough equipment to revamp 420 homes. Firefighters said they are only about one third of the way and need more people to apply.

Tulsa Firefighters said home fire safety is too often an oversight.

"Fires are the number one cause of home fatalities in a house. If you don’t have a working smoke detector in your home, the fire is not what kills you. It's the smoke," firefighter Chris Whittington said.

That's why the fire department wants to make sure you are safe by surveying homes that may have expired smoke detectors -- or no detectors at all.

"What we can do is go check their smoke detectors. If they need a new smoke detectors we can install one. If they need a battery replacement we can do that as well," Whittington said.

The fire department will also help residents develop home safety plans so you know what to do if your home catches fire.

"I've never thought about that before," homeowner Trina Bommer said.

Trina Bommer said as a fitness instructor, she always considers her health and safety, even for changing a lightbulb.

"I don’t want to stand on any chairs or ladders any more and worry about falling because once you get hurt, it's hard to heal," Bommer said.

She said having firefighters replace safety equipment and get rid of trip hazards gives her a worry-free home.

"I just feel so much safer since they've come and done this to my house and everybody should try to get it done," Bommer said.

The grant requires the department to meet their 420 homes goal before September.

Tulsa firefighters said they are prioritizing those who are over the age of 65, but said anyone can apply by sending their name, address, and phone number to FireMarshal@CityofTulsa.org