SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The American Red Cross of Illinois, in partnership with United Way of Central Illinois and the Springfield Fire Department, will install free smoke alarms for some local families in need in Springfield.
The alarms will be installed Friday, April 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. to families vulnerable to home fires in the Harvard Park and Iles Park neighborhoods during a Sound the Alarm event.
Volunteers and installation appointments are needed for this upcoming event. This effort is part of a national Red Cross Sound the Alarm initiative to install free smoke alarms in at-risk communities.
Having a working smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire in half. The Red Cross said this home fire campaign has helped save 2,577 lives nationally.
“A working smoke alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy during a home fire,” said Dawn Morris, Executive Director of the South and West Central Illinois Chapter. “That’s why the Red Cross is teaming up with community partners like the United Way of Central Illinois and the Springfield Fire Department, to help ensure residents, especially those most vulnerable, have these devices that help save lives.”
Those who need a free smoke alarm installation appointment can visit https://tinyurl.com/SpringfieldFreeSmokeAlarms to schedule an appointment. During these 20-minute home visits, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.
Volunteers are always needed to perform smoke alarm installations and share fire safety information during local Sound the Alarm events. No prior experience is needed, and training will be provided before the installations. To learn more about how you can get involved this event, visit https://tinyurl.com/SpringfieldSTA26.
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