WV American Red Cross Region Seeks Volunteers to Install Free Smoke Alarms | New

CLARKSBURG – More than 22,000 free smoke alarms have been installed in West Virginia by volunteers and partners of the American Red Cross during the Home Fire campaign, which is now in its fifth year.

From April 27 to May 12, the Red Cross mobilized 30,000 volunteers and partners to install 100,000 free smoke detectors and help families create fire escape plans in 100 communities around the world. high risk of the country. Services are free for all people in need and are provided with the help of local fire departments, community organizations and other people in West Virginia, where hundreds of volunteers are required.

"We have had a lot of success with the campaign in recent years. So we decided to set up a specific program to install a smoke detector to make homes safer, "said Keeling. "We continue to program smoke detector facilities in this part of the state."

The campaign as a whole has reached more than 1.7 million people in the last five years and has saved more than 500 lives across the country. Nearly 17,000 children were educated as part of the campaign's youth preparedness program.

Last year, the Harrison County Commission donated $ 2,000 to the Sound the Alarm project before a dozen teams of three volunteers each work with the services. Clarksburg Fire, Bridgeport and Shinnston, as well as with the Harrison School Board, to install 200 smoke detectors in homes. in May.

Home visiting teams consisting of an installer, an educator and a documenter will set up alarms and work with the family to create evacuation plans and provide training on how to do this. of security.

In 2017, 240 smoke detectors were installed in Harrison County with the help of a business partner, according to Keeling.

The commission is also expected to donate as part of the 2019 efforts, said Commission Chair Ron Watson.

"The smoke alarm for seniors is beneficial, especially for our aging population," he said.

People can sign up now on SoundTheAlarm.org/WestVirginia to volunteer at fire safety events and smoke detectors installation across West Virginia and collect donations for help save lives from domestic fires. According to officials, these crises are the most common disaster in the country and kill seven people a day, often in homes without smoke detectors.

"Neighbors vulnerable to home fires need your support today to avoid unnecessary tragedies," said Erica Mani, executive director of the American Red Cross for the West Virginia region. "You can help families by making sure their smoke alarms work and by staying safe from these everyday disasters. Please join us to volunteer or raise money to support our free services and save lives. "

To volunteer, ask for a smoke alarm in your home or that of a loved one, or for more information, local residents should call the Red Cross at 1-844-216- 8286 or visit SoundTheAlarm.org/WestVirginia.