Bridgeport, Conn. (May 5, 2015) – Today, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and Fire Chief Brian Rooney announced that nearly 50,000 free smoke alarms have been installed in the Park City since the inception of its “Safe Asleep” program. They also unveiled a new phase of the program, including an advertising initiative, in order to grow that number this year.

“Thanks to the efforts of the Safe Asleep program and the hardworking men and women of the Bridgeport Fire Department, we’re keeping the kids and families of the Park City safe,” said Mayor Finch. “With nearly 50,000 smoke alarms installed in Bridgeport homes, we are a national leader in protecting kids and families from the dangers of fires. These new ads will help us reach even more homes, and keeping more families safe as Bridgeport gets better every day.”

Through a partnership with GBT, buses will provide mobile advertising for the program that has helped save hundreds of lives in Bridgeport. Since the program began, there have been 143 documented instances of fires in homes with smoke alarms installed for free by the Bridgeport Fire Department. In each of those incidents, residents of those homes were alerted by their smoke alarm and able to escape safely without injury.

“The Safe Asleep program saves lives,” said Chief Rooney. “Most residential fires happen at night. With a working smoke alarm, you have a chance to get out safely.”

In addition to new bus advertisements, Firefighters and representatives from the Safe Asleep program also visit Bridgeport schools to help educate kids on the importance of fire prevention and safety. The Fire Department has also partnered with Dominos Pizza and Fire Engine Pizza Co. offering free pizza to promote the free smoke alarm program.

The “Safe Asleep” program began in 2005 as a partnership between the city fire department and RYASAP. Residents in need of smoke alarms can call 203-335-8835, and the fire department will install it for free.