Red Cross, firefighters to install smoke alarms

On Saturday, Oct. 24, the American Red Cross of Montana and the Kalispell Fire Department will join forces to install smoke alarms in Kalispell.

Representatives will go door to door in neighborhoods west of Third Avenue offering to install smoke alarms to interested residents as well as provide fire safety information.

“After very successful installation programs in other locations across the state, we are looking forward to helping the residents in Kalispell improve fire safety in their homes,” said Ted Koenig, disaster program manager with the Montana Red Cross.

“In addition to installing free smoke alarms, our volunteers will also share general fire safety information with residents, including how to draft a sound fire escape plan.”

This event is part of an ongoing nationwide Red Cross campaign to reduce deaths and injuries from home fires by as much as 25 percent over the next four years.

 In the United States, nearly 2,500 people die and 13,000 people are injured in home fires every year. With the proper tools and education, many of these deaths and injuries can be prevented. The Red Cross campaign focuses on people that are most vulnerable to home fires by targeting low-income populations nationwide.

 For more information on fire safety and preparedness information, visit redcross.org/homefires. For access to life-saving information on what to do for common everyday first-aid emergencies including burns, download the free Red Cross First Aid App at redcross.org/apps.

 People can help others affected by disasters such as home fires, as well as countless other crises at home and around the world by donating to the American Red Cross. Gifts enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. To make a donation, go to www.redcross.org/montana.