SFD & Red Cross Participate in National Campaign

More than 500 homes targeted for smoke alarm install blitz

Michele Anderson, Public Safety Communications Manager

Friday, May 11, 2018 at 11 a.m.

On Saturday, May 12, personnel from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and volunteers from the American Red Cross will be canvassing the West Central neighborhood installing free smoke alarms. The installations are part of the Red Cross’ national Sound the Alarm and Save Lives campaign.

The American Red Cross, North Spokane Lowe’s, and Molina Healthcare generously donated the smoke alarms for installation.

According to the American Red Cross, every day, seven people die in home fires, most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained provide an early warning signal which could allow everyone in the home to safely escape.

Important safety messages about smoke alarms:

  • A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
  • Install smoke alarms in every room used for sleeping, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Large homes may need extra smoke alarms. It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
  • Smoke rises to the highest point. Smoke alarm should be installed on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
  • Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old, or no longer respond when tested.
  • People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
  • Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.