Milwaukee County leaders encourage smoke detector checks

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Aaron Lipski and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley took some time on Tuesday, March 10 to speak on the importance of fire safety. 

A news conference was held at MFD Station 13 in Metcalfe Park, which Lipski calls "the busiest fire company in the state." 

One focus was regularly switching fire alarm batteries -- a task that often gets swept under the rug. 

It's a quick fix that could end up saving lives. 

"Fire safety is a matter of life, it's a matter of healthy communities, and we must ensure that every household, every apartment, every building is equipped with the safety tools needed to keep everyone safe and alive and healthy," Crowley said.

The American Red Cross recommends testing your smoke alarm every month. 

If you don't have a working smoke detector you can request one to be installed for free by calling the Milwaukee Fire Department Smoke Detector Hotline at 414-286-8980.

CBS 58