Senior Living: A new, free program that can save lives
(Photo Courtesy/Mike Beiermeister) Community risk reduction officer Andy Marceau provides Cheryl Allen with a carbon monoxide detector for her home.
Alpena, Mich. — Thanks to a free program through the My Prevention Task Force out of Lansing, Alpena County residents are able to access lifesaving equipment for their homes at no cost.
Alpena City Fire Department community risk reduction officer Andy Marceau has a packed schedule. He’s upgrading smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for senior’s like Cheryl Allen.
“Fire in the night or whatever, you wouldn’t know without them,” said Allen.
This year, he’s already installed 200 smoke and 40 carbon monoxide detectors, and Marceau’s only just getting started.
“My goal is in three to five years to hit every home in the city of Alpena,” said Marceau.
These lifesaving devices can help make the difference, and create a safer environment not only for seniors, but people of all ages.
“It’s the smoke that gets you, not the fire,” said Marceau. “One smoke detector, one carbon monoxide detector at a time to make the public and the community safer.”
It’s a 20 minute process, and he’s onto the next. Now, Cheryl can feel safer in the comfort of her own home.
“I just feel blessed that I got to have it done and at no cost to me,” said Allen.
“I’m just trying to make a difference one smoke detector at a time,” said Marceau.
If you need installation or to pick up a device, please contact Marceau’s office at 989-354-1859 to schedule an appointment. You can also stop the Fire Department (501 W Chisholm St, Alpena, MI 49707) and sign up at the front desk. You can also contact the Alpena Senior Citizens Center. (501 River St, Alpena, MI 49707)
