Maryland Fire Officials Launch Statewide Door-to-Door Campaign to Promote Fire Safety

In an effort to curb fire-related fatalities, the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal is coordinating with local Fire and EMS departments for a door-to-door campaign on May 17–18 as part of the Maryland Community Risk Reduction Weekend. With more than 20 fire-related deaths already recorded this year, the initiative focuses on ensuring residents have functioning smoke alarms and understand essential safety practices.

During the campaign, firefighters and emergency personnel will visit homes across the state to inspect smoke alarms, offer replacements, and distribute educational materials. The outreach also aims to raise awareness of the importance of different types of alarms—photoelectric and ionization—each suited for detecting specific kinds of fires. Officials stress the importance of installing alarms in key areas of the home, testing them monthly, and replacing units that are over 10 years old.

Residents are also being urged to implement additional precautions such as closing doors at night to slow the spread of fire, creating and practicing home escape plans, and educating guests on evacuation procedures. Authorities emphasize the critical message to exit immediately and never re-enter a burning building, as well as the importance of promptly calling 911 after escape.

The Fire Marshal’s Office has also made special smoke alarms available for individuals who are hard of hearing, including units equipped with bed shakers. Residents can request alarms or schedule installations through the agency’s official website. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of these free resources to improve household safety and support the broader goal of reducing fire deaths statewide.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal press release

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