(Washington, DC) The District of Columbia Insurance Federation (DCIF) announced on Thursday, November 18 that they will donate several thousand dollars worth of smoke alarms to the District of Columbia Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department. The announcement was made during DCIF’s Legislative Reception held on November 18th. These smoke alarms will be given free of charge to DC homeowners as part of the DC Fire/EMS Department’s ongoing Smoke Alarm Give Away Program.

Smoke alarms are the most important fire safety item you can have in your home.  The DC Fire/EMS Department encourages everyone to install smoke alarms and to remember to change the batteries every six months.  An installed working smoke alarm doubles a family’s chances of surviving a fire in the home.

“We are grateful to the DC Insurance Federation and their member insurance companies for this generous donation and commitment to fire safety. These smoke alarms will help us meet our mission to save lives and protect property in the District of Columbia.  The simple gift of a smoke alarm can truly be the gift of life,” said Fire/EMS Chief Adrian H. Thompson during the reception.

Donna Leaman, Vice President of the DC Insurance Federation said insurers strongly support fire safety and prevention programs. “We are pleased to participate in the District's Smoke Alarm Give Away program.”

At the reception, DC Insurance Commissioner Lawrence Mirel recited Mayor’s Williams proclamation designating November as “Insurance Month.”