In the last two weeks, dozens of New Bedford residents have found themselves homeless after massive fires ripped through several multi-family homes.
The easing of pandemic restrictions means fire officials can relaunch a lifesaving program.
"It's been quite a few years since we've had an opportunity like this to be able to go into people's homes and install smoke detectors or don't have enough of them," New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger said.
The city of New Bedford is made up of more than 100,000 residents.
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Starting this week, residents in every corner of the city can call the fire department to get new smoke detectors installed.
"I believe there's a form you can fill out when you're available, when you'd like someone to come by, it would either be representatives from the Red Cross or members of the fire department, will install up to three of them for free," Kruger told NBC 10 News.
The best line of defense to protect your family is to make sure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
When neighbors heard about the recent uptick in fires across the city and how some of the homes could've been saved if they had working smoke detectors, they made sure to check their own alarms.
And that their family members are being careful when lighting candles or plugging in their Christmas trees.
"I tell my granddaughter who lives on the second floor, 'I don't want candles on, I don't want the Christmas tree on if you go outside. Make sure to shut if off everyday,'" said New Bedford resident Maria Souza.
Now is the best time to check your home alarms as we all gather inside for the winter.
If you find that your detectors aren't working or you don’t have any, you can call the department or use its Facebook page to book a home visit.