Partnership to Promote Holiday Fire Safety in East Bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD, CA—On Saturday December 5th Supervisor Mike Maggard, the Kern County Fire Department, and local volunteers will go door to door in East Bakersfield to distribute smoke detectors to neighbors and promote holiday fire safety. The event was made possible due to a $4,000 grant from State Farm Insurance.
At the request of Supervisor Mike Maggard the Kern County Fire Department applied for a “Good Neighbor Citizenship Grant” from State Farm Insurance. State Farm provided the grant to acquire Smoke Detectors for low income residents in the East Bakersfield area with an increased rate of fire related incidents.
“I am pleased that the County of Kern was able to partner with our friends at State Farm Insurance, and the Kern County Fire Department,” cited Maggard. “During the Holidays ensuring that residents can get early warnings about a house fire will help save lives and protect residents in the third district.”
"With thousands of agents and associates across the United States andCanada, State Farm has a major stake in building safer neighborhoods for its policyholders and non-policyholders alike. We understand the importance of enhancing safety in the home and this funding goes a long way in helping to protect those homeowners in the event of a tragic fire. In fact, this smoke detector and battery replacement initiative is well timed as the Holiday season brings with it increased risks of fires within and around our homes,” stated Jill Elofson with State Farm Insurance.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Brian Marshall, "The most effective way to survive a house fire is to have a functioning smoke detector. A smoke detector will give residents early notification of a fire and allow families to safely escape the growing flames."
The target area for the distribution of smoke detectors, batteries and fire prevention materials will be College Avenue on the North, Fairfax Road on the West, Valencia Drive on the East, and Pioneer Drive on the South.
Supervisor Mike Maggard represents the 3rd Supervisorial District, which includes the neighborhoods of East Bakersfield, NE Bakersfield, NW Bakersfield, and Oildale.
