Council OKs FEMA grant to buy 1,314 smoke detectors; distribution to be managed by fire department

The New Britain Common Council on Feb. 11 accepted a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant to purchase 1,314 smoke detectors for city residents.

Alderman Malinowski said the grant would purchase the detectors from Home Depot; the motion described a total figure in the transcript as “25,4046,” a number that could not be confirmed from the meeting record. Fire Chief Ortiz said the department will advertise distribution through Facebook, the city website and QR codes at public events; firefighters will install alarms free of charge and replace nonfunctional units during home visits. Chief Ortiz said the department has distributed smoke alarms in prior grant cycles and estimated the city has put in thousands of alarms over recent years through multiple grants.

Council members asked whether the units are battery-operated or hardwired; Chief Ortiz said the grant covers battery-operated, 10-year smoke alarms and that the department will install them and conduct quick neighborhood canvasses after significant fires.

Why it matters: Smoke alarms are a basic, evidence-based fire-prevention measure; distributing and installing detectors can reduce fatalities and injuries in residential fires. The resolution directs city staff to proceed with procurement and community distribution.

Numbers and clarifications: The transcript records the detector quantity (1,314) but the dollar total appears garbled in the minutes as “25,4046.” The precise grant award amount and budgetary details should be confirmed in written procurement or grant documents.