The Billings Fire Department has implemented a more aggressive smoke and carbon monoxide alarm give-away program than in years past.  Using referrals from The Family Tree Center, Big Sky Senior Services, Head Start, and the Yellowstone County Council on Aging, the Fire Department provides and installs smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for low income homes. The home visits also provide a great teaching opportunity on fire safety and demonstrating proper home evacuation.

In 2011 the Fire Department provided and installed 78 new smoke alarms and 33 carbon monoxide alarms and hopes to increase the number in the coming year.  This donation from Wal-Mart will help to achieve that goal.  Deputy Fire Marshal Matt Schieno spearheads this program and submitted the grant application.

The donation from Wal-Mart Corporate Offices, Bentonville, Arkansas in the amount of $2,000 will be used exclusively to purchase smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, 9-volt batteries and installation tools and supplies.

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the $2,000 donation from Wal-Mart Corporate Offices.