At a recent presentation to a Laguna Beach service organization I told a story of two cities which shocked many members in the audience.  Both cities are similar to Laguna Beach since they are affluent and consist of well educated populations with a great sense of community and a sophisticated social consciousness.

The first community recently experienced three separate and devastating house fires; none of the houses had a working smoke alarm.  In two of the cases the occupants were lucky to escape without major injury or death.  The extent of damage to all three of the residences was devastating and the loss of personal property was practically total.  None of the three houses were habitable after the fire and the residents were displaced.

The other community experienced two recent house fires in which both houses had working smoke alarms.  In both cases either the resident or an adjacent neighbor were alerted by the smoke alarm which resulted in early activation of 911.  The damage to both residences and personal property loss was minimal due to aggressive and early firefighting efforts.  The residents of both structures were able to stay in their homes after the fire.

Then came the astonishing part; I told the audience that this was not a tale of two cities but a true story about our community.  The audience was surprised that this condition could exist in Laguna Beach.

The dramatic difference in outcomes is due to the presence of working smoke alarms.  This story reinforces the fact that smoke alarms are an indispensible and inexpensive fire and life safety tool.

If you have read this message to this point, then we have completed at least half of our smoke alarm goal – we have educated you on the importance of smoke alarms.  If this message compels you to take action and install new smoke alarms or maintain existing ones then we have completed another large portion of our goal.  If you compel your family, friends, and neighbors to take action, then you have helped us even further toward the goal of every Laguna Beach home having working smoke alarms.

The Laguna Beach Fire Department will install, free of charge, battery powered smoke alarms for any Laguna Beach Resident.  If you, or someone you know, needs assistance with installing or maintaining a smoke alarm, please sign-up on this website in the City Services section on the homepage or http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/fire/study/smoke_alarms.asp.  You can also call Fire Administration at 949-497-0700 to schedule an appointment.

I would like to thank the community for its continued support of your Fire Department and on behalf the members of the Laguna Beach Fire Department it is hoped that you have a fire safe day.

Sincerely,

Kris Head, Fire Chief