The Center for Urban Studies at Wayne State University has received a State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship grant to implement a new, critical set of activities in the Detroit Fire Prevention and Safety Project.
Launched last year with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Detroit Fire Prevention and Safety Project visits Detroit homes, installs smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and educates families on ways to reduce the risk of a residential fire and safeguard loved ones from fire-related injuries and death.
“This gift will help to increase fire safety and decrease deaths and injuries from fires in the city of Detroit,” said Lyke Thompson, Ph.D., director of the Center for Urban Studies. “Funding from this will help us tremendously enhance our capacity to serve Detroit households by installing fire extinguishers, additional carbon monoxide detectors and fire escape ladders in multilevel homes.”
By the end of August 2017, the project is expected to reach 2,500 Detroit homes, perform 12 community education sessions and secure 25 vacant properties. Project partners include the Center for Urban Studies, Detroit Fire Department, Wayne State Department of Emergency Services and the Detroit Medical Center Kohl’s Injury Prevention Program.
“State Farm is proud to partner with Wayne State University and the Detroit Fire Department to assess fire home safety for local residents,” said State Farm insurance agent PD Dandnaik. “Having an emergency plan in place, before a fire strikes, is paramount in protecting families from everyday risks.”
Special guest Detroit City Council member Raquel Castañeda-López will join the public in celebrating the award at a check presentation on April 11 from 1:30 to 2 p.m. at the State Farm office, located at 7725 W. Vernor Highway in Detroit.
About the Center for Urban Studies
Wayne State University's Center for Urban Studies improves understanding of and provides innovative responses to urban challenges and opportunities. Committed to serving Detroit and its metropolitan area, the Center pursues its mission by conducting and disseminating research, developing policies and programs, and providing training, capacity-building, and technical assistance.
About State Farm
State Farm helps people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its nearly 19,000 agents and nearly 70,000 employees serve more than 84 million policies and accounts – more than 81 million auto, fire, life, health and commercial policies, and more than 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 35 on the 2016 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com.