News Flash

Donation Ceremony Set for February 4  

Thanks to a charitable donation from Kidde, the Durham Fire Department will soon be able to install 500 carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in homes throughout the Bull City.

The Durham Fire Department will receive the 500 CO alarms, valued at $12,495, from Kidde, which is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fire safety products. The donation will be accepted by Chief Robert Zoldos during a brief ceremony at Fire Station 1, located at 139 E. Morgan St., on Tuesday, February 4 at 2 p.m.  At the ceremony, Chief Zoldos will be joined by NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and Kidde representatives.  

According to Chief Zoldos, the donation will allow the department to install CO alarms at no charge to city residents who cannot afford to purchase one. Over the coming year, the CO alarms will be installed into owner-occupied homes at the request of home owners as well as during the department’s ‘Safety in Our City’ canvassing events.  

“CO is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Large amounts of CO can overcome you in minutes without warning — causing you to lose consciousness and suffocate,” Chief Zoldos said. “It’s important that households are properly equipped with CO alarms on every level and in sleeping areas. We realize that many residents are unable to afford to purchase a CO alarm to protect their home and family from a threat that they can’t see, smell, or taste. That’s why we’re extremely grateful to Kidde for providing this donation to us, which will enable us to help safeguard 500 more homes in Durham.”

To learn more about the department’s Alarm for Life Program, visit https://durhamnc.gov/1162/Community-Risk-Reduction or call (919) 560-4233.

About the City of Durham Fire Department

The Durham Fire Department strives to enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of Durham by minimizing the harmful effects of fires, medical emergencies, and other types of dangerous events. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department helps create a safer community by conducting fire and life safety education programs;  providing emergency responses to fires, medical calls, hazardous materials spills, technical rescue calls, and water rescue calls; explaining and enforcing the fire code; investigating arson and the cause of other fires; and maintaining readiness through constant training and maintenance of facilities and equipment. To learn more follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.