TOWSON, MD—This week, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $410,000 in federal funding for fire prevention efforts in Baltimore County.

Funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Fire Prevention & Safety Grants program. The funds will allow Baltimore County to purchase 15,000 smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which will be installed by firefighters in homes throughout the County.

“Investing in fire prevention tools and technology will help keep Maryland families safe,” the lawmakers said. “By installing more smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems in homes throughout the county, we can save lives and enhance community safety. We’re proud to secure these important federal resources for Baltimore County residents, and we will continue to do everything we can to support Maryland’s first responders.”

“Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We’re thankful for Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and members of the Maryland congressional delegation who helped the Baltimore County Fire Department secure funding to provide more of our residents with the critical safety and protection they need.”

“Properly installing smoke and CO alarms is one of the most important home safety steps you can take,” said Fire Chief Joanne R. Rund. Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that 40 percent of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

The FP&S grant program, one of three arms of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program, aims to reach high-risk target groups and reduce deaths and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards.