Emporia firefighters are using a state funded program to keep you safe. The department is giving away and installing 450 detectors to Lyon County residents.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. I didn't have any and I didn't know where to put them," said Starre Cole.

Cole says her family should be much safer now. She took advantage of the Kansas Fire Injury Prevention Project. Two Emporia firefighters installed smoke detectors in her home and went over household fire safety with her and her granddaughters.

Firefighters installed seven smoke detectors, one in each bedroom, and one in the main room of each floor. Emporia Fire Marshal Tom Andrews says following that guideline will keep you and your family safe.

"The smoke detectors are intended to wake you up and alert you to a fire in your home," Andrews said.

Andrews knows the program is important, but he says the firefighters enjoy the work.

"It's something they can see a large benefit from, and they get to get out and meet people," Andrews said.

He says having an emergency plan in place is just as important as having the smoke detectors. Tom says not having a plan can cause you to panic and could cost you your life.

Cole says she'll be working on an escape plan for the family in case they do have a fire.

"We have three ways to get out, so yeah, we'll have to practice all three of them, see which one works best."

Emporia firefighters have installed about 100 of the 450 detectors. If you're a Lyon County homeowner and would like to have smoke detectors installed in your home, call the fire department at 620-343-4230.