By Kate Fisher
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Legislature Chairman Charles Swanick has launched a county wide smoke detector campaign.
The "Lifesaver" program encourages all County residents to install smoke detectors in their homes and businesses. Swanick is trying to raise awareness in response to a recent, tragic fire that that involved a Kenmore family.
Eight-year-old Samantha and her mother Maria Kelleher were severely burned and continue to recover. Swanick says this plan will make people more aware of the need for smoke alarms.
"We can't police every home to make sure they have them," Swanick said. "We can't legislate common sense. We're just trying to make it very convenient and cost-effective for them to get detectors in their homes as quickly as possible."
Swanick says Shanor Electric is providing the detectors for just $6. They are available at the Republican majority offices of the Legislature.
According to the national fire protection association, smoke detectors can increase survival of a fire by 50 percent.