NEGRIL, Hanover — Starting this week, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will install smoke detectors in both private and state-owned early childhood institutions (ECIs) across the country.

It is part of a larger push to place the devices in a number of private homes, nursing homes and children’s homes in an effort to minimize deaths and injuries from fires.

JFB Commissioner Stewart Beckford said the aim was to make as many ECIs as possible.

“The good thing about ECIs is that they are not complex or large structures, so three (or) four smoke detectors will be sufficient for most of them,” he noted.

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

The fire chief could not provide the number of ECIs where the smoke detectors will be installed because the details of the project – including the cost – are currently being finalized.

“Some of it comes from our own resources, but we’ve had some sponsors come on board and donate smoke detectors. We’re continuing to work with them to see how we can continue this partnership, not just for one week, but into the future because fire safety is everyone’s business,” said Beckford.

Since the broader initiative began last month, JFB has installed detectors in two children’s homes and an old people’s home, among 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 house we went into — Mary’s Child, which is run by the Mustard Seed Community — we donated 26 smoke detectors and two fire extinguishers because of the configuration of the building. In every room, hallway and so on, we want to have smoke detectors installed in those areas just in case there is an incident – ​​​​then people in the facility can be alerted,” the commissioner explained.

Beckford said the brigade will continue its efforts to install smoke detectors in homes and institutions long after the week of fire awareness and life safety activities from October 27 to November 2.

“Fire safety is not just a one-week or one-year thing; it’s 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 people to have smoke alarms installed in their homes. In Jamaica, it is not. So we use gentle persuasion to say, ‘It saves lives, it can protect you, your family, your belongings,'” Beckford said.

Over the years the brigade has certified privately run ECI facilities as part of their fire safety requirements. Recognizing the importance of these structures, he reduced the fee he usually charges for the service. Beckford said he made a strategic move to educate young people.

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

There have been 21 fire deaths in Jamaica since the start of the year, all in homes without smoke detectors. North American statistics indicated that three out of five deaths occur in homes without devices.

“These devices save lives – and they’re relatively cheap and easy to install. But … if people want us to help with where they can get these devices and how to install them, then we’re very open to helping people with that,” the fire chief said.