Free Smoke Alarms to Be Installed During Day of Caring

WHEELING -- People in need of a new smoke alarm for their home can get one installed Sept. 9 thanks to the American Red Cross and United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley's Day of Caring.

Each year, the United Way holds its Sandy O'Haver Day of Caring, which involves volunteers taking on projects such as cleaning, painting and more at locations across the Wheeling area.

As part of this year's Day of Caring, people can call 844-216-8286 or visit https://bit.ly/FreeSmokeAlarms to get a new smoke alarm installed that day. Those who would like to volunteer to help install the alarms also can sign up.

"Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S., but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half," Krista Farley, Red Cross director of communications, said in a press release. "We will install alarms in as many homes as possible. Since this is a Day of Caring project, it will be limited to those times on that day, but if people aren't available that day, our team will come back out and conduct installations when it is convenient for them.

"We are required to install the alarms to ensure they are correctly installed in the recommended locations. We also conduct fire safety education and help them create an escape plan of their home to ensure they can get out within two minutes."

The Red Cross has been working for 12 years to prevent house fire deaths.

"In October 2014, the American Red Cross launched the Home Fire Campaign to prevent deaths and injuries from home fires by visiting homes to educate families about home fire safety, help them create escape plans and install free smoke alarms," she said. "Since then, the Central Appalachia Region of the Red Cross has installed over 68,000 free smoke alarms, making nearly 27,000 homes safer, resulting in 163 lives saved in the region, including 24 lives right here in the Ohio River Valley Chapter."

In addition to having a working smoke alarm, the Red Cross also advises people to test their smoke alarms periodically and practice "2-minute home fire escape drills."

"Knowing what to do makes a world of difference, so make sure that you and your family are well prepared," she said.