CEO Corner March 2024

The first step in solving a problem is admitting there is a problem to be solved.

If that line has your attention let me explain. In January 2024, a resident of Surprise unfortunately was unable to escape her burning house because she was not able to hear her smoke alarm system as she was sleeping. As we learned the resident was deaf. So, a working smoke alarm was not enough.

A person that is deaf or hard of hearing needs to have a smoke alarm system that is adaptive to their specific needs. An appropriate system would include the standard alarm, which is then connected to a strobe light as well as connected to a bed shaker. The bed shaker is especially important in case the resident is asleep and needs to be awakened.

Since the emergence of this issue and its story, ABF along with the Surprise Fire Department and the American Red Cross have committed ourselves to install these special alarm systems for the residents of Surprise that have requested them. On March 14^th, 2024, we will have a day set aside in Surprise to install the alarms for all residents that apply. For us to accomplish our goal we are looking for support from our community. If you have time on March 14^th to volunteer to assist us in the installation of these alarms, please let us know. These alarm systems are costly and if you have an ability to help underwrite an alarm system or two, we sure could use that assistance as well. Click here for more information.

With this problem identified and now with our partners we will make a positive impact to assist those in our community that are the most vulnerable.

ABF is a solution orientated nonprofit and will do what is necessary to prevent as many fire and burn injuries as possible statewide. So, if you would like to help us bring those solutions to your neighborhood please reach out.

Stay safe everyone and I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon.