Homes in Clermont are about to get safer thanks to a donation of 100 smoke detectors from the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) to The City of Clermont Fire Department. Clermont firefighters will give away the detectors, along with a reminder to test smoke detectors and change batteries.
The partnership comes as residents prepare for the end of Daylight Saving Time and turn their clocks “back” one hour (remember: Spring Ahead; Fall Back). The twice-a-year ritual of changing clocks provides an important reminder for residents to test the smoke detectors in their homes, check batteries, and make sure each device is functioning properly.
“Safety is who we are at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, and that commitment goes well beyond the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas,” Brent E. Haywood, P.E., General Manager and CEO of Lake Apopka Natural Gas District said. “By partnering with the City of Clermont and its Fire Department, we have an opportunity to put potentially lifesaving equipment directly into residents’ homes. We hope this donation also encourages every family to take a few minutes when they change their clocks to make sure the smoke detectors in their home are ready to protect them.”
The donation is part of a broader District community safety initiative with fire departments in the cities of Clermont and Apopka, with each receiving 100 to provide to their residents. Working smoke detectors provide critical early warning during a residential fire, giving occupants additional time to safely escape. The Clermont Fire Department encourages residents to routinely test their smoke alarms and follow manufacturer recommendations regarding batteries and replacement of older devices.
“A working smoke alarm can make a tremendous difference when a fire occurs because every second matters,” said David Ezell, Clermont Fire Chief. “This donation will allow our department to get smoke detectors into the hands of residents who can benefit from them. We thank Lake Apopka Natural Gas District for partnering with us and helping reinforce a simple but important message: test your alarms, make sure they are working and never take fire safety for granted.”
The Clermont Fire Department operates five stations and provides fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire prevention, safety education, and other emergency services to the Clermont community. The department responded to more than 8,500 calls for service in 2025.
For the District, the initiative builds upon its longstanding emphasis on safety for its employees, customers and communities. In addition to maintaining a safe and reliable natural gas distribution system, the District works with local governments, first responders and community organizations to promote public awareness and support programs that enhance quality of life throughout its service area.
Residents should use the changing of the clocks each spring and fall as a recurring reminder to:
- Test every smoke detector in the home to ensure it is working properly;
- Check batteries and replace them when necessary;
- Make sure smoke detectors are installed in appropriate locations throughout the home;
- Replace smoke detectors according to manufacturer recommendations; and
- Review the household’s fire escape plan and make sure everyone knows how to safely exit the home in an emergency.
