The American Red Cross is tackling fire safety with their ‘Sound the Alarm’ campaign by installing free smoke alarms in Acadiana homes.
KATC’s Abby Breidenbach was LIVE with more information.
On Wednesday, the Red Cross will be canvassing neighborhoods in Scott providing residents with information on the smoke alarm installation initiative happening this Saturday, April 27. The initiative is taking place over four weeks in 100 cities across the United States.
Around 300 homes have been designated in the Scott community as having smoke alarm needs. The Red Cross says around 25 to 30 percent of those homes will receive a fire alarm. Registration for volunteers begins at 8:00 am on Saturday at the Scott Fire Department. Training begins at 8:45 am.
Volunteers will be out in the designated neighborhoods to check, change, and install free smoke alarms with 10-year battery life. Households will also receive help in setting up an escape plan for their home in case of a fire.
The ‘Sound the Alarm’ campaign is an initiative by the Red Cross which aims to install around 100,000 free smoke alarms in homes in at-risk communities across America. The Red Cross says the goal is to save lives and raise awareness. In Acadiana, the group hopes to install around 17,000 fire alarms.
On April 20, around 500 homes in Lafayette were designated for smoke alarm installation.
Lafayette Fire Department spokesperson Alton Trahan says that the installation of smoke detectors is essential to saving lives. Those interested in having a fire alarm installed can contact the Red Cross or the Lafayette Fire Department.
Three installation events are scheduled for the Acadiana area.
- Saturday, April 27 in Scott – over 300 homes designated.
- Saturday, May 4 in Lafayette – 450 homes designated.
- Saturday, May 11 in Broussard – 580 homes designated.
The Red Cross is asking for volunteers to help them reach their goal in Acadiana. Those interested in helping this Saturday can show up at the Scott Fire Department for 8 am or sign up online at Redcross.org. Registration is also available for other installation dates.
