The American Red Cross and Local West County
Fire Departments Partner for Fire Safety Campaign

Free Smoke Alarms Available

In need of a smoke detector? Click Here!

 West County, Pa. – The American Red Cross will partner with local fire departments to distribute smoke alarms in Girard and Lake City this spring. Residents without working smoke alarms can call or register through their local fire department. Firefighters will contact residents to make an appointment at their homes to install free smoke alarms.

  According to local Fire Officer Jeff Gadley, working smoke alarms double the chance of surviving a home fire. “Having working smoke alarms can save lives and reduce injuries and damages due to fires in the home. While the alarms will not prevent fires, they do give residents a chance to get out of their homes safely and call 911 for immediate assistance.” Fire Officer Gadley said.

 The national Red Cross launched the Home Fire Campaign with the goal of reducing deaths and injuries from home fires by 25 percent in five years. Smoke alarms cut the risk of death from a fire in half, and is the reason the Red Cross and fire departments are working together to install fire alarms and teach people about fire safety.

 The free smoke alarms will be provided by the Red Cross and installed by the firefighters so homeowners can be assured that the alarms are installed correctly in the proper locations. The alarms are of the dual-type which detect both fast and slow-moving fires and have a ten-year battery to increase their useful life.

In the Girard area:

Registration forms can be picked up at the Girard Township Building, 10140 Ridge Rd., Girard Borough Building, 34 Main St. West, Girard, or call the Girard Fire Department at 814-774-8218, or visit their website http://www.girardfire.com.

 In the Lake City area:

Registration forms can be picked up at the Lake City Municipal Office, 2350 Main Street, Lake City, or call the Lake City Fire Department at 814-774-4402.

 You can also schedule an appointment by calling the American Red Cross smoke alarm request line at 814.240.7667.

 The Red Cross recommends that households develop a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year with everyone who lives in the home. People should know two ways to escape from every room and designate a safe place to meet outside the home in case of a fire. Install smoke alarms on every level of the house and inside bedrooms. Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Test each alarm monthly by pushing the test button.

 To learn more about the Home Fire Campaign, visit www.redcross.org.