"It's one of the cheapest, simplest tools you can have:" Milwaukee firefighters conduct smoke detector sweep

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee firefighters were out going door to door this afternoon checking smoke detectors.

They were in the area of 54th and Center.

Earlier this week, a 4-year-old girl had to be rescued from a burning home in the neighborhood. There were no working smoke alarms in the house.

The fire department says that early notification is critical for escaping a fire.

"It's one of the cheapest, simplest tools you can have to make your family aware that there's something bad happening in your house so you can get out. Those few seconds that you have to get out before that fire gets into your room or your bedroom is extremely critical," said Milwaukee Fire Department Lieutenant, Schuyler Belott.

Every home should have a working smoke detector on each floor.

The Milwaukee Fire Department can install them for free.

CLICK HERE for more information from the Milwaukee Fire Department's website, including information on how to receive free smoke detectors, OR call the Smoke Detector Hotline at 414-286-8980.