Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement
 

Is the TV Fire Department still available to replace smoke alarm batteries? Not sure if Covid has had an impact on this great service. If yes, how do you contact them?

Thank you.

Google is your friend

The last time I checked, they are not doing the service. Here is where to call.

The Villages Fire Rescue, 352-205-8280

:oops: So is the District Web Site !

VCDD Public Safety

And it says:

Services Provided

Fire Suppression ● Emergency Medical Response ● High Angle Rope Rescue ● Confined Space Rescue ● Trench Collapse Rescue ● Vehicle Machinery Rescue (extrication) ● Structural Collapse Rescue ● Water Rescue ● A Technical Rescue Team that is part of Florida Light Technical Rescue Team 417 (LTRT 417) ● Operations Level Hazardous Materials Response ● Fire Prevention (including Public Education Programs) ● Smoke Detector Battery Changes

Do we really need to take up their valuable time in changing batteries?

Do you not have a neighbor who is young/agile enough to ask to do the job for you?

Assuming you have the batteries to hand, it takes a few minutes to do the whole house and is hardly a life-threatening exercise for many in The Villages.

Leave the Fire Department to fight fires and save lives.

Some smoke detectors are very difficult to change the batteries due to their design. The FD encourages seniors to use their services.

Thank you, John41, I wasn't aware of that.

I assumed that the manufacturers would make it easy to undertake the regular replacement.

Totally agree. The thought of having a member of the FD change a bettery for me is totally out of my realm of thinking. You must have one friend!

You are fortunate to be healthy enough to climb a ladder. Our neighbor lost his balance and hit his head on the floor got a concussion and had cognitive issues thereafter. Also our doctor warns us “ don’t break a hip” because of the future complications at our age. So that is why the FD would prefer you call them than have to send out an emergency team. If you need the help don’t be ashamed to ask.

Seriously?
 

As a 27 year professional and now retired firefighter I can tell you this.
If you are frail and have health issues the fire department is happy to assist with your battery replacement. They will come and do it even if you are not. Why? Because firefighters are inherently good above what we expect to be normal. They will smile and be polite, even to a cheap healthy individual looking for a free battery. Get real. If you can play golf, pickle ball, do you line dance and exercise class then change your own battery and while you are at it hook up the vacuum cleaner hose and brush attachment then vacuum the dust on it and around it. People who really need assistance or have physical limitation or are just plain abnormally ignorant should get this service.

How far do you drive for a free hotdog?

I called Public Safety and was told the are NOT doing this service because of COVID so you will have to find another way to get it done.

During Covid they have discontinued this service. The good news is that your smoke alarm is probably hard wired and is operational. The battery is a backup.

Grrrrrr. Was your note intended to be helpful?