Starting April 13th and running through May 11th. communities throughout the state will be getting new, working smoke alarms or having current detectors checked-free of charge by team members of the American Red Cross. Here’s Mary Lynn Foster, CEO American Red Cross-Michigan.
“We know, every second counts when there’s a home fire. So the sooner the alarm goes off, the sooner the occupants can escape, especially Jennifer with these three words: Alarm. Goes. Off. Really underscores this point and having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying by half.”
Foster says the West Michigan Chapter will be installing alarms in Wyoming and Zeeland in April and May; they will also be in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Benton Harbor among other communities.
A Red Cross news release says home fires claim seven lives very day nationally and most occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Foster says not only do they install smoke alarms, but they offer a fire safety education program called “Sound the Alarm” to those they visit.
“Part of the servic4e we provide is sitting down and drawing a home fire escape plan. Helping them understand the importance and timing of getting out should a home fire occur.”
Foster says if you’re interested in participating in “Sound the Alarm” program or becoming a volunteer for it, you can visit their website at redcross.org/soundthealarmmichigan for more information.
