FARMINGTON HILLS, MI--(Marketwired - Jan 5, 2015) - In a new initiative to raise public awareness about prevention of dryer fires, Dryer Vent Wizard recently awarded grants of 500 dollars each to fire departments in New Lenox, Ill., Detroit, Mich., and Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.

Dryer Vent Wizard, which specializes in dryer vent repair, replacement, cleaning and maintenance of dryers for residential and commercial use, invited the company's franchisees to nominate fire departments that conduct outstanding fire prevention education programs in their communities. Two grants were awarded in the U.S. and one in Canada.

"This gave us a wonderful opportunity to recognize fire departments that do outstanding jobs educating the public about fire safety, and many do so with limited resources," said Terry Reuer, DVW CEO. "Those selected this year were among several worthy nominations submitted from across the country."

Larry Butterfield, a DVW franchisee in Michigan, nominated the Detroit Fire Department which provides a variety of fire safety and prevention programs in its community outreach. According to Chief Dale Bradley of the Detroit Fire Department's Community Relations Division, the DVW grant will help provide smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to low income families.

"We receive referrals from agencies about families, especially those with school age children, who need alarms and can't afford them," said Chief Bradley. "These funds will help us protect more people from life threatening fires."

In Illinois, the New Lenox Fire Protection District, which serves a community of approximately 40,000 people, was nominated by DVW franchisee Joe Enzenberger. 

"I've been very impressed by the comprehensive and visible education program New Lenox provides this community on limited resources," said Enzenberger. "The department depends on volunteers to conduct fundraisers to purchase equipment, supplies, technology and building upkeep. They also had the wisdom of having Marisa Schrieber step into a full-time role as the department's public education coordinator."

According to Schrieber, who makes presentations to all grades throughout the schools and to other community groups, DVW's award will help the department purchase some much needed interactive, hands-on resources that can be used during these presentations.

Central York Fire Services, which serves the Ontario communities of Aurora and Newmarket, was awarded a DVW grant submitted by Canadian franchisee Tyler Johnson. 

"Each year, we deliver fire safety pamphlets to 8,000 local households. These include invitations to schedule appointments for smoke alarms and battery checks," said Chief of Prevention Les Chaisson. "The grant monies will help toward the purchase of more smoke alarms. During the summer, we hire two college students who go door to door visiting homes of seniors and others unable to check batteries or install smoke alarms. It's an important job."

DVW CEO Reuer added, "As our company continues to grows, we look forward to increasing the number and amount of grants awarded in coming years. This has been a gratifying experience for everyone who participated."

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., Dryer Vent Wizard is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). DVW franchisees service more than 9,000 communities of all sizes throughout the U.S. and Canada and helps raise public awareness about the importance of dryer vent cleaning to prevent dryer fires and save energy. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.DryerVentWizard.com or call 866-498-SAFE (7233) in the U.S. and 866-395-SAFE (7233) in Canada.