Smoke detectors installed
As winter approaches, more people will be heating their homes, making fire safety an issue. The American Red Cross partnered with the Idaho Falls Fire Department to install smoke detectors in homes around the area.
With 300 smoke detectors to be installed in the area, The Red Cross, Idaho Falls Fire Department, and many volunteers wasted no time to help homeowners.
“We’ve had a tremendous outpouring of people that have come to help us,” said Ken Anderson, Idaho Falls Fire Marshall. “I’m sitting here smiling going wow we made a difference today , a lot of people did.”
According to The Red Cross, six percent of home fire occur where a smoke detector isn’t installed. They account for more than 60 percent of death and injury.
Christopher Davis, Chief Development Officer for The Red Cross, said, “Very strong correlation here. Smoke alarms save lives.”
This need moved groups into action; including The Boy Scouts of America, where this project works toward their Eagle Scout award.
Chad Quilling, one of the boy scouts, said, “I’m really happy we are able to help out with this smoke alarm project, it’s been a really great experience.”
Among those many volunteers was Rebecca Miller…
“You know it kind of hits home,” Miller said. “It’s kind of important to me, because I went through something that I hope no one else has to go through.”
When Rebecca was 8 years old she experienced a home fire, one that Idaho Falls Fire Marshall Ken Anderson responded to.
“The inventorying, going through all the things in the house, and taking them out of the house. Basically just losing all of our memories that was in the house. It was really hard,” Miller said. “I don’t want anyone to have to go through that. So I think it’s very important to have smoke alarms in your house, so that you can prevent that.”
Not only are smoke alarms installed, but also fire escape plans are provided to each home.
Even some volunteers were taught as they worked.
“The two minute plan. I didn’t even realize that it’s two minutes you basically have and you need to get out of the house,” Miller said.
JD Barnes, a recipient of smoke alarms, said, “It’s really been good. I think it’s really commendable that they’ll spend their time to come over and do stuff like this. It isn’t everyone that will do that.”
Smoke alarms more than 10 years old need to be replaced. Even if they make a noise when you push the button, it doesn’t mean they are functioning correctly.
