Domino’s is preparing hot boxes of pizza today for residents whose homes are most prepared for a fire.
As part of Fire Prevention Week, Chapel Hill Fire Department officials will partner with Domino’s Pizza delivery people to incentivize properly functioning smoke alarms.
“We will have pizza delivery men riding with us while we check smoke alarms,” said Chapel Hill Fire Marshal Matt Lawrence. “If their smoke alarm is working, the pizza will be free.”
He said there will also be equipment to install fire alarms in homes where alarms are not working. The pizzas and equipment underline this year’s theme, which focuses on the importance of smoke alarms. The week of events began Sunday with a presentation by the fire department at Festifall on Franklin Street.
In addition to Domino’s Pizza, the fire department is teaming with the local chapter of the American Red Cross to conclude the week’s activities this weekend with the Fire Safety Fair.
Lawrence said the purpose of this year’s fair is to remind the community that functional fire alarms can be the difference between a short and lengthy response time.
Tim Bothe, director of Emergency Services for the Central N.C. chapter of the Red Cross, said the American Red Cross annually provides support services for victims of 150 fires within the chapter’s jurisdiction. Ninety-seven percent of those are house fires, he said, adding that there are more than 70,000 house fires across the country each year.
“We help make immediate disaster call needs, and those can be shelter, food, clothing and health needs, as well as referrals to other agencies,” he said.
And preparation is the most important lesson people can take from the week, Bothe said.
