WASHINGTON - Pepco's Emergency Services Partnership Program is donating smoke alarms for the hard of hearing to assist with fire safety programs in the area. These smoke alarms emit a bright, white strobe light, in addition to an audible alarm, to alert individuals to the presence of smoke. The District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince George's County Fire and Rescue Services will distribute the "hearing impaired" alarms to those who need them most.

"Pepco's Emergency Services Partnership Program has always tried to focus on partnering with public safety agencies to address their need for resources that help keep the public safe," said Mike Maxwell, Vice President for Emergency Preparedness. "This year we ventured into an area that will help address fire safety for people with special needs, especially those with hearing loss or impairment."

"This donation is special because it helps address a special population that really needs our help. Those with hearing impairments need a smoke alarm that will help notify them of a potential emergency and give them the opportunity to escape from a smoke or fire condition," District Fire Chief Adrian H. Thompson said in a joint statement with Montgomery County Fire Chief Thomas W. Carr Jr. and Prince George's County Fire Chief Lawrence H. Sedgwick. "We not only count on the help of Pepco and others to help support such vital programs as this, but we also count on every resident to do their duty and ensure they and their family are protected by a working smoke alarm."

The 150 "hearing impaired" alarms will be presented to the fire chiefs at a ceremony Thursday, Nov. 9, at 11:30 a.m. at DC Engine Three at 439 New Jersey Avenue, NW.  This will mark the final installment of smoke alarms as part of Pepco's annual donation to area fire departments. Pepco provided 750 standard smoke alarms to each department last month during National Fire Prevention Week.

###

Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 745,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.