SFD and Red Cross Participate in National Home Fire Campaign

Jamie McIntyre, 509.625.7058

Friday, October 4, 2019 at 1:25 p.m.

On Saturday October 12, 2019 personnel from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and volunteers from the American Red Cross will be canvassing the Garland neighborhood installing free smoke alarms. The installations are part of the Red Cross’ national home fire campaign. 

The American Red Cross generously donated the smoke alarms for installation. Spokane Fire Department Chief Brian Schaeffer “supports these lifesaving risk management efforts and applauds the volunteers and Red Cross staff that are leading this effort in our community.”

“Since the Red Cross started the Home Fire Campaign in 2014, we’ve saved more than 650 lives across the country. We’re excited to continue offering this program to make our local neighborhoods safer” stated Ryan Rodin, Executive Director, Greater Inland Northwest Chapter of American Red Cross. 

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 alarms 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.