Insurance Council of Texas and State Farm Work to Promote Fire Safety Across Texas

AUSTIN, TEXAS - The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT)and local State Farmagents across
Texas are excited to announce their continued partnership during the Out to Alarm Texas 2024
campaign from September to November. The initiative has been dedicated to mitigating the loss
of life and property due to fire-related incidents since 2005 by installing and testing free smoke
alarms in homes across the state via their local fire departments. This year, the partnership will
distribute over 1,300 smoke alarms to Texas residents all throughout the state.
Out to Alarm Texas is made possible by a generous grant by State Farm, and ultimately serves
to prevent fire-related tragedies. According to the most recent data available from the Texas Fire
Incident Reporting System (TEXFIRS), there were more than 31,000 reported building fires, with
a total of 175 fatalities and significant property loss, in 2022. This year, ICT, State Farm, and
local fire departments will distribute free smoke alarms to households beginning October 5,
prioritizing areas with higher rates of fires.
"This distribution effort underscores the shared commitment by ICT and our partners, State
Farm and local fire departments, to keep Texas residents safe from devastating home fires."
said Rich Johnson, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at ICT. "This program
provides critical resources for those who need them while enhancing the safety and security of
communities acrossTexas."
Local fire departments play a vital role in this initiative, leveraging their unique position to quickly
deploy resources within communities and facilitating the efficient distribution of smoke alarms.
Since 2005, the Out to Alarm Texas program has grown to over 50 participating fire departments 
and distributed about 29,000 smoke alarms. In 2023 alone, more than 1,700 smoke detectors
were given to Texas residents.
"At State Farm, our commitment goes beyond providing property protection through insurance.
We strive to promote the overall safety and wellbeing of our local communities," said Felicia
Hutchins, Corporate Responsibility Analyst at State Farm. "And the Out to Alarm Texas
campaign aligns with our mission to help people manage the risks of everyday life before a
terrible accident or fire has happened."
Out to Alarm Texas will kick off with a series of smoke alarm distribution events, followed by
ongoing efforts to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout the state. Firefighters will install
the new alarms and inspect each home to make sure other smoke alarms are working properly
and point out potential fire hazards to residents.
Smoke alarms are available on a first-come, first served basis. For more information about the
"Out to Alarm Texas" campaign or to learn how you can support this initiative, please visit the
ICT website.

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