Red Cross To Distribute Free Fire Alarms in Gresham

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

GoLocalPDX News Team

According to the American Red Cross, home fires are the biggest disaster threat Americans face. In order to keep homeowners safe, the Red Cross will be distributing fire alarms to homes in the Gresham area next weekend.

On Saturday November 7 between the hours of 11 AM and 4 PM, trained American Red Cross volunteers will canvass neighborhoods in Gresham to make families safer in the event of a home fire. Volunteers will ask homeowners if there is a working smoke alarm and, if not, install new smoke alarms free of charge.

Volunteers will also review a fire safety and home hazard checklist, provide information about creating a fire escape plan and share other emergency-preparedness information.

"People have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it's too late to get out," said Michelle Taylor, disaster program manager for the American Red Cross Cascades Region. "Working smoke alarms can double the chance of surviving a home fire. I encourage Gresham residents to take advantage of this free community program."

The program is part of a national initiative launched by the American Red Cross last year. So far, the program has installed more than 125,000 smoke alarms in nearly 2,400 cities. On average, the American Red Cross in Oregon and southwest Washington responds to two home fires each day.

Volunteers are still needed for the event. Individuals, groups, local businesses and organizations are welcome to participate. training will be provided before the event, and there is a strong need for Spanish-speaking volunteers.

Gresham residents who wish to have their home reviewed by the Red Cross may make an appointment in advance by calling the American Red Cross at (503) 528-5783, or register for an appointment online by clicking here.

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