WELLSVILLE –The Wellsville Fire Department has smoke detectors available for Wellsville residents.

FD Chief Barry Podwel with Wellsville having had multiple fires, the WFD is taking part in a program through the American Red Cross for smoke detector distribution –the American Red Cross thinks Wellsville would benefit from participation in the program.

Podwel needing smoke detectors can simply call the WFD at 330-532-1338 and give their name, phone number and how many smoke detectors needed. A member of the fire department will arrange a time to install the smoke detectors in residences.

The recommended number of smoke detectors is one per bedroom, at the top of the basement steps, if a multiple-story house at the top of the steps going upstairs and one in the kitchen area away from the stove.

Podwel has installed 14 smoke detectors in residences already. It does not need to be him directly, but it must be a member of the fire department installing detectors. There is no cost for the smoke detectors or installation. The detectors and installation are provided free of cost for Wellsville residents. The detectros do not have carbon monoxide detection. The smoke detectors have a 10-year life span and do not require batteries to be changed.

When the smoke detectors are installed, they are labeled by the firefighter with the date of the installation and the date they should be replaced.

The department can get as many detectors as they need to meet residents’ demands.

If a resident has smoke detectors but need more or they want to go with ones where they don’t have to worry about replacing batteries they can also call and request some. But they will also need to be installed by someone from the fire department.

The department’s participation in the program is ongoing. Those not needing detectors now can contact the WFD later. If a resident is in need of detectors but lives in a neighboring township, and has a Wellsville mailing address, Podwel said he will contact the fire department for that area see if they are OK with WFD installing smoke detectors in that residence.

Residents of CHMA-managed Shaub Towers are not eligible for detectors.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com