Red Cross to Install Free Smoke Alarms in Tiverton Homes

TIVERTON, RI — A first-time ever event is coming to Tiverton on March 9 when the American Red Cross holds an Install-a-Thon and provide sets up free smoke detectors in homes.

According to the press release, the Red Cross will schedule the installations between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

To make an appointment visit: http://www.redcross.org/local/rhode-island/home-fire-safety-visit or call 1-877-287-3327 and choose option 1 on the menu to request a smoke alarm installation.

During the event, Red Cross workers will be joined by the City of Tiverton, the Tiverton Fire Department and community volunteers, who will share fire safety and preparedness information and install free smoke alarms in homes as requested.

The Red Cross is also looking for volunteers to help install the alarms. They'll also go over the importance of fire safety and develop personalized family escape plans in case a fire breaks out in their home.

Red Cross will provide the training.

“Our hope is to install 1,200 alarms the week of the Install-A-Thon,” said Mario Bruno, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. Although Tiverton is the only Rhode Island stop, the campaign is also going to Torrington, Norwalk, New Britain and New London, Connecticut.

“Volunteers are needed to help make this goal a reality. Volunteering is easy and in one day you can help save a life,” Bruno said.

To volunteer for the Install-A-Thon in Tiverton visit: https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=vms_public_form&form_id=1053 or email: CHCTRIVolintake@redcross.org.

"Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has worked with fire departments and community groups across the country as part of a multi-year campaign to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent. Home fires remain the biggest disaster threat to individuals and families in the United States.

"Sixty percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. This campaign is in direct response to the dire threat. The Red Cross is committing to install 2.5 million free smoke alarms in neighborhoods at high risk for fires, and to educate those residents about fire prevention and preparedness. Since the start of the program, the Red Cross and partners have saved 159 lives as part of this campaign. Since the program began, the Connecticut and Rhode Island Region of the Red Cross has installed more than 10,000 smoke alarms between the two states.

Residents outside the Install-A-Thon cities can always make an appointment for a free Red Cross fire safety visit and free smoke alarms at any time. The program is free and open to anyone in Rhode Island.

For more information on the Red Cross Install-A-Thon, visit: http://www.redcross.org/news/event/local/rhode-island/Red-Cross-Install-A-Thon.

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