Dov Hikind, Home Depot Team Up To Distribute Smoke Detectors After Brooklyn Fire That Killed 7

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Three days after a Brooklyn fire claimed the lives of seven children, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) distributed free smoke detectors in Orthodox Jewish communities Tuesday.

Hikind's office received hundreds of smoke detectors from The Home Depot, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.

On Saturday morning, seven Jewish siblings were killed when a fire tore through their Midwood home. Their mother and 14-year-old sister were critically injured. Authorities believe the blaze was caused by a malfunctioning hot plate left on for the Sabbath.

Sara Frenkel, a Borough Park mother, was among those who received a smoke alarm. She said she's extremely frightened by the tragedy.

"I'm scared to put them to bed even and think that, God forbid, such a tragedy could happen," she said of her young daughters.

Another woman who already had a smoke detector in her home said she wanted a second one.

"Because of what happened," she said. "I can't sleep at night. I think about it all the time. It's just a terrible tragedy."

Hikind said every home should have smoke alarms, especially in his community because observant Jews will not stop using hot plates and slow cookers on the Sabbath.

"The food is in there," he said. "It's nice and warm, but, you know what, we want to be around to enjoy the food," he said.

Hikind urged his constituents to ensure their appliances meet all U.S. safety standards.