LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The American Red Cross will be installing nearly 2,000 smoke detectors in Michigan homes across the state.
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“We encourage everyone to sign up for these free installations,” the organization said on its website, “particularly those who cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or individuals who are physically unable to install a smoke alarm.”
House fires kill nearly 4,000 Americans each year, according to data from the San Francisco Fire Department. It may take only 3.5 minutes for a house to reach over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Having a working smoke detector more than doubles the chance of surviving a fire.
“Every second counts when there’s a home fire,” said Darwin Roche, regional disaster official for the Red Cross in Michigan. “Home fires are so dangerous and claim more lives in a typical year than all natural disasters combined.”
In addition to installing smoke alarms, the Red Cross will help families develop a two-minute fire escape plan.
“This is an opportunity to teach families and their loved ones about how to protect themselves from these everyday crises,” said Mary Lynn Foster, regional chief executive officer for the Red Cross in Michigan. “We are grateful for the support of our volunteers and community partners to help save lives.”
To schedule a smoke alarm installation appointment, Michigan residents can call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit the Red Cross website.
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