About the Program

The Get Alarmed, Virginia! program is funded by a state-secured federal grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since its implementation, the Get Alarmed, Virginia! program has been credited with saving the lives of more than 97 men, women and children across the Commonwealth of Virginia and with preventing millions of dollars in property loss. According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, every dollar spent on a smoke alarm prevents $21 worth of loss. This is a 2,100 percent return on the investment. Get Alarmed, Virginia! Program: Smoke alarm installation and education campaign Administered through local orginizations so that the program is tailored to each community's resources and needs Goals: Increase number of homes with working smoke alarms Increase number of residents who plan and practice a fire escape plan Increase number of residents who test their smoke alarms monthly Program Provides Funding for: Purchasing long life lithium battery smoke alarms Paying staff to install smoke alarms Purchasing equipment to install alarms, ladders, drills, etc Developing and launching media and marketing campaigns Limited local travel mileage and office supplies Local Program Activities: Identify at-risk homes Install all smoke alarms Educate residents about fire and life safety practices: Developing and practicing a fire escape plan Testing alarms monthly Maintenance of alarms Administer a survey on fire safety knowledge and practices Document lives saved