Dryer Vent Wizard awards grants to fire prevention programs

Many of the grant recipients said the money would be used to purchase educational materials, safety equipment and community outreach

Dryer Vent Wizard

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — For the third consecutive year, Dryer Vent Wizard has awarded grants to fire prevention programs throughout North America.

The program, initiated in 2014, helps to raise public awareness about prevention of dryer fires; there are estimated to be more than 15,500 each year in the U.S. alone.

DVW franchisees were invited to nominate fire departments that conduct outstanding fire prevention education programs in their communities.

“We are proud to support local fire departments and districts that do such an outstanding job of educating the public about fire safety,” DVW CEO Terry Reuer said. “Many have limited resources, and these grants help fund a variety of much needed programs and services in their communities.”

Fire Chief James Wall of King Fire and Emergency Services in King City (Ont.) accepts the DVW grant from franchisee Tyler Johnson, at center, and DVW technician Leighton Johnson of Dryer Vent Wizard of York, Ontario.

In the U.S., five grants were awarded to include the Wesley Chapel (N.C.) Fire Department, Chattanooga (Tenn.) Fire Department, New Lenox (Ill.) Fire Protection District, Buechel (Ky.) Fire Department and Rancho Adobe (Calif.) Fire Department.

In Canada, grants were awarded to the Qualicum Beach (B.C) Fire Department, King Fire and Emergency Services (Ont.) and Kitchener (Ont.) Fire Department.

Many of the grant recipients said the money would be used to purchase educational materials, safety equipment and community outreach. The King Fire Department said the funds will help purchase a 911 simulator for use at their annual junior firefighter camp, and when working with seniors, assisted living residences and others with special needs.

According to the New Lenox Fire Protection District, the grant is being used to help fund a portable safety house and trailer that can be taken to schools for fire safety demonstrations.

“We also want to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our franchisees for working with and nominating such deserving programs,” Reuer said. “With their help, we’ve been able to increase the number of grants awarded each year since the program began.”