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PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Thousands of Phoenix residents are now alarmed thanks to a smoke-alarm giveaway program.
Phoenix firefighters, along with dozens of volunteers, went door to door near Desert View Elementary School to make sure homes were properly alarmed.
"This area seems to be in need for smoke detectors. They're older homes. They're battery operated," said Tommy Reeve, a Phoenix firefighter.
Firefighters not only checked smoke detectors, but they also gave away and installed new ones for free.
Many residents don't check or update their smoke detectors regularly because of financial or physical limitations.
"We saved millions of lives," said Olivia Lewis, a volunteer.
Olivia and her family spent Saturday morning helping to educate residents.
"Fire safety is very important so we want to educate people in the neighborhood about updating their fire alarms," said Desirlee Lewis, another volunteer.
Many were grateful to receive the alarms and the help.
"Yes, very important to protect from the smoke and accidents," said Aviana Centen, a resident.
And others were grateful to have fellow community members check on them.
"They came in and checked to make sure the batteries were operable and the unit was serviceable," said Linda Pollard, a resident.
About three times a year, the Phoenix Fire Department hosts these smoke alarm walks. With the help of donations of units and batteries, they install and update more than 55,000 free smoke detectors every year.
Firefighters say smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years.