NEGRIL, Hanover — Starting this week, Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will be installing smoke detectors in both private and State-run Early Childhood Institutions (ECI) across the country.

It is part of a wider push to place the devices in a number of private dwellings, homes for the elderly, and children’s homes in an effort to minimise fire-related deaths and injuries.

JFB Commissioner Stewart Beckford said the goal is to do as many ECIs as possible.

“The good thing about the ECIs is they are not large complexes or structures and so three [or] four smoke detectors will suffice for most of them,” he noted.

He was speaking with the Jamaica Observer last Saturday on the sidelines of a ball, the culmination of a series of activities held to mark Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week 2024.

The fire chief was unable to provide the number of ECIs in which smoke detectors will be installed as project details — including the cost — are currently being finalised.

“Some of it is from our own resources but we have had some sponsors who have come on board and donated smoke detectors. We continue to work with them to see how we can continue that partnership, not just for the week but going forward because fire safety is everybody’s business,” stated Beckford.

Since the wider initiative began last month JFB has installed detectors within two children’s homes and one home for the elderly, in adition to other locations. Beckford is confident the brigade will be able to achieve even more at ECIs, which typically have a less complicated floor plan.

“One home that we went into — Mary’s Child, which is run by the Mustard Seed Community — we donated 26 smoke detectors and two extinguishers because of the configuration of the building. Every room, hallway, and so on we want there to be smoke detectors installed in those areas just in case there is an incident — then persons in the facility can be alerted,” the commissioner explained.

Beckford said the brigade will continue its drive to install smoke detectors in homes and institutions long after the week of activities to promote Fire and Life Safety Awareness from October 27 to November 2.

“Fire safety is not just a one-week or a one-year thing; it is a lifelong practice and we want to cultivate that habit [to the point] where it becomes second nature. In some jurisdictions it is mandatory for persons to have smoke alarms installed in their homes. In Jamaica, it is not. So, we are using gentle persuasion to say, ‘It saves lives, it can protect you, your family, your assets,’ ” stated Beckford.

Over the years, the brigade has been certifying privately run ECI facilities as part of fire safety requirements. In recognition of the importance of these structures it has reduced the fee it usually charges for the service. Beckford said it has made a strategic move to educate the young.

“If we can capture the hearts and minds of these children, they will help to guide the parents when they get home from school. We have seen that happening in several instances,” he said.

There have been 21 fire-related deaths recorded in Jamaica since the start of the year, all of which took place in homes without smoke detectors. Statistics from North America have indicated that three out of every five deaths occur in homes without the devices.

“These devices save lives — and they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. But… if persons want us to assist in terms of where they can get these devices and how to install the, then we are very much open to helping persons in that regard,” stated the fire chief.