GRANVILLE – The Granville Fire Department is gearing up to host their annual free smoke alarm program on October 27 in partnership with the American Red Cross. The program includes the installation of both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
The Granville Fire Department and the American Red Cross will install smoke alarms throughout the day on October 27. (WNG File Photo)
Launching their Home Fire Campaign in 2014, the American Red Cross has started an initiative called Sound the Alarm, which allows Red Cross volunteers and local community members to canvass at-risk neighborhoods, install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, and provide fire prevention and safety education.
In 2018, Sound the Alarm had 31,300 volunteers register to be a part of the installation and home visit event, while installing 122,259 smoke alarms across the country and raising over $15.4 million. According to the Red Cross, seven people die in home fires every day, with most of those incidents involving smoke alarms that lacked an ability to function. The elderly and children are the majority of people that are affected by this tragedy.
Pointing out that with the help of the American Red Cross last year, 20 smoke alarms were installed in six homes in Granville last year. The Granville Fire Department is very eager to have even more success this year.
“It’s our hope to install even more this year, so that all Granville residents can be safe and secure knowing they will be notified in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide event,” said Tim Rickis, a member of the Granville Fire Department.
Any interested residents of Granville must have a home that was built prior to 1975 and their current smoke alarm must be 10-years-old or older. Individuals have until October 14 to sign up for the free program and can do so by visiting granvillefire.net or calling the fire department at 413-357-8585.
