Firehouse Subs® Sounds the Alarm for October Fire Safety Month

Nationwide Restaurant Chain Raises Money for Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

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Oct 01, 2012, 10:00 ET

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning Oct. 1, Firehouse Subs will kick off its annual fundraising initiative in support of Fire Safety Month to raise much-needed funds for Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The month-long fundraiser encourages patrons to support their local heroes by purchasing $1 and $5 medallions available at all 534 restaurants. Guests who purchase a medallion will receive a free Duracell® 9-volt battery for their home smoke detector while supplies last. All funds raised benefit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, a non-profit organization inspired by the co-founders' 200 years of family firefighting heritage.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation began in 2005 directly following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and provides funding, resources and support to first-responders and public safety organizations. Established as a non-profit 501(c)(3), the Foundation has donated more than $5 million to hometown heroes in 33 states and Puerto Rico. Funds are raised through individual donations, register donation canisters, a round up program that allow guests to "round up" their bill to the nearest dollar, and pickle bucket sales. Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to customers for $2.

In support of Fire Safety Month, Firehouse Subs is sharing the following fire safety tips to help families maintain a safe home:

Change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every six months.
Always turn car engines off when pumping gas.
Give space heaters their space – at least three feet from anything flammable – and turn space heaters off before bed.
To extinguish charcoal grill fires, close the lid and vents and if the fire persists, douse the grill with water from a distance. Remember: never use a charcoal grill indoors.
Keep charged fire extinguishers handy in the home and in vehicles.
Use baking soda instead of water on grease fires.
Program ICE (In Case of Emergency) in cell phones for EMS, police and fire contacts.
Long grilling utensils are best to avoid burns.
If an appliance smokes or smells, unplug it immediately and have the appliance repaired or replaced.
Store matches and lighters safely out of kids' reach.

Firehouse Subs, founded in Jacksonville, Fla., by former firefighting brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, is a 535-unit fast casual restaurant chain. Firehouse Subs offers oversized portions of premium hand-sliced meats and cheeses, steamed to make the flavors burst, then piled high with fresh produce atop a toasted sub roll. The restaurants reflect the authentic firefighter heritage of the founding family's 200 years of firefighting service.

For more information or to donate online, please visit Firehousesubs.com, Facebook.com/firehousesubs or follow us on Twitter at @firehousesubs or @savinglives.

SOURCE Firehouse Subs