Nov. 29--MYRTLE BEACH -- For some Horry County residents that next knock on their door could be a firefighter, but not for an emergency.
Horry County Fire Rescue crews have been canvassing some neighborhoods this month to check smoke detectors, install new ones if necessary, change their batteries and talk about fire safety.
"We're trying to start here and see where it takes us," said Jim Walker, a battalion chief with the department.
Other fire departments in the area host similar programs.
Myrtle Beach Lt. Christian Sliker said his department conducts a similar program annually in March.
"Last year we went to select areas where we felt there was a need because the city being so large we target areas," Sliker said. "We tested everyone's smoke detector and installed them as well."
Fire crews with both departments are available to check a resident's smoke detector, change batteries or install a new one at any time, but the person must call a fire station and request the service, officials said.
"We know people have busy schedules, busy lives and sometimes they forget minor details, but a smoke detector gives you those small minutes to escape," Sliker said.
While attending a conference, Walker heard about a similar program in Michigan and decided to borrow the idea, he said.
Homeowners "are surprised and shocked. They're surprised the department is reaching out to them," Walker said. "Smoke detectors give [residents] early detection to a fire when [the detectors] go off, [residents] call us and it betters their chance of survival."
Crews in Forestbrook, near Conway and Socastee are going door-to-door checking smoke detectors, batteries and providing other fire safety tips.
"It's good for community interaction and we've had great response from the public," Walker said. "It's the one thing that can save a life."
Because of the size of Horry County, Walker said they'll go out in phases to reach residents and it will take some time to get to everyone.
Smoke detectors are being funded through grants the department received, but Walker said the fire chief approved the purchase of additional detectors if the department goes over the grants budget.
Earlier this year, Myrtle Beach fire crews spent their Saturdays outside the Home Depot store in the city and promoted smoke detector purchases in conjunction with the store and the National Fire Protection Association, Sliker said. As a result the Myrtle Beach store sold the most, so a pallet of smoke detectors was donated to the department.
Sliker said the detectors were distributed among fire departments in Horry and Georgetown counties for fire crews to provide to residents.
"Smoke detectors have become more advanced, but you still need to test it to make sure it's still working," Sliker said. "We're trying to help the public make sure they're safe in their own homes."
Contact TONYA ROOT at 444-1723 or follow her at Twitter.com/tonyaroot.
Copyright 2013 - The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)
