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Smoke alarms installed in Opelousas homes free of charge

Posted at 3:53 PM, Mar 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-23 19:54:50-04

Some residents in Opelousas now have smoke alarms, thanks to the American Red Cross and Spectrum Housing Assist.

Spectrum Housing Assist is Charter Communications’ national philanthropic initiative.

Representatives from both organizations went door-to-door along Jake Drive and near the Sidney Street playground to offer free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education.

Saturday’s fire prevention effort comes after a woman died in a house fire on Jake Drive earlier this month. The victim’s house did not have a smoke alarm.

“On average, seven people die every day in a home fire and having working smoke alarms can cut that risk of death or injury in half. We’re honored that Spectrum selected Louisiana, and the Opelousas community, to serve as the backdrop for Spectrum Housing Assist,” said Merri Alessi, executive director for the Capital West chapter of the Louisiana Red Cross.

Volunteers with Red Cross and other organizations conduct their Sound the Alarm initiative nationwide.