Red Cross provides free smoke detectors
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The American Red Cross started a program in 2014 called “Sound the Alarm.” The program was started with the intent to help in the prevention of loss of life, due mostly to residential fires.
The organization’s mission is simple — prevent human suffering in the face of emergency. By making smoke detectors free to residents in need, the Red Cross has helped to save as many as 470 lives since the programs inception.
Local Red Cross volunteer Grace Warin, of Mount Ayr, has spearheaded the local Ringgold County effort to distribute and install as many smoke detectors as possible to local families in need. The Red Cross has teamed up with Kidde, a major manufacturer of smoke detection equipment, to fund this important program. Kidde supplies the Red Cross with equipment and the volunteers distribute and install them in peoples homes at no charge.
The Red Cross provides training and support to its volunteers to help them fully understand the importance of early detection when it comes to residential fires. The Iowa contingent Disaster Action Team (DAT) has already responded to 174 disaster calls this year alone.
In addition to the hardware being installed by volunteers, the public is also educated on home fire safety including possible escape routes should a fire break out in their home.
Currently, there is no formal outreach program to alert the communities of this generous and life saving offer by the American Red Cross. Warin has relied mostly on word of mouth and person-to-person awareness to draw attention to this program. She is hoping this story will help spread the word.
Warin stated that those who wanted more information about the program or to obtain a smoke detector to contact her at 641-344-7338. She also indicated that she can be reached on Facebook under Grace Warin.
The Red Cross is made up of 90 percent volunteers who show up at disasters of all kinds including hurricanes, tornados and floods, anywhere there is human suffering and disastrous personal loss. The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton on May 21, 1881, in Washington, D.C.. Inspired by the international Red Cross movement during a visit to Europe, Barton established the organization to provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid, with the first local chapter forming shortly after in Dansville, New York.
They have continued their good work throughout the years including this Sound the Alarm program continuing the Red Cross legacy.
