Butler firefighters to help install free smoke alarms
Butler residents may get visitors at their door in late October, but the “ding dong” won’t be followed by shouts of “trick or treat.” Instead, people will be asked if they would like to have a new smoke alarm installed.
The American Red Cross is bringing volunteers to Butler on Oct. 28 for its Sound the Alarm program, which installs free smoke alarms in homes in recognition of Fire Prevention Month.
“Ideally, we get to these communities every 10 years when alarms expire,” said Nicole Roschella, regional communications director for American Red Cross. “And it's not just installing smoke alarms — it’s meeting friends and neighbors to bring in some fire safety.”
To bring smoke alarms to local homes, the Red Cross has teamed up with the Butler Bureau of Fire, which will supply both firefighters and fire prevention education. People also can sign up to volunteer for the program; those who do will be trained to install the alarms and relay fire prevention information.
“They will go through a quick training session for all the volunteers,” said Butler Bureau of Fire Chief Chris Switala. The session will show them how to install the alarms properly.
Interested persons may contact the Red Cross to request a new alarm, although volunteers also will be going door to door asking if anyone would like one installed or checked.
“We want everyone to be safe,” Roschella said. “If you need help checking (your alarm), our volunteers will go in, check it for you. If you need a new one, we'll install it.”
Switala said the streets targeted for canvassing are First, Second, Third, Fifth, West Wayne, Virginia and Negley streets and Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, American and Ridge avenues. People who don’t live on those streets should contact the Red Cross if they would like a new smoke alarm installed.
The Bureau of fire also may be contacted for information on fire prevention, and Switala said firefighters will be presenting such information in other ways throughout October.
“We have a lot of station tours scheduled throughout the month with various schools, Girl Scout groups,” Switala said. “This is an ongoing effort as far as Fire Prevention Month goes.”
It has been more than five years since the Red Cross brought Sound the Alarm to Butler, according to Switala.
According to Roschella, volunteers can help make the program efficient, and they will make their community safer by promoting fire safety to their neighbors.
“You see the direct impact of your work,” Roschella said. “At the end of the day, you could save a family's life.”
To volunteer to install fire alarms Oct. 28, or to schedule an installation, call the Red Cross at 724-480-3170.
