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Red Cross and Alpena City Fire Department install free smoke alarms for community members

The Red Cross and Alpena City Fire Department installing free smoke alarms to community members

ALPENA, MICH — The Red Cross and Alpena Fire Department teamed up to make the community a safer place this weekend.

Members from both organizations took to the streets, going door to door to install free smoke detectors.
The smoke alarms are up to date, don’t require batteries, and can go years without being replaced.
Disaster Program Manager at the Red Cross, Carol Rabineau, says installing a smoke detector is a measure worth taking before it’s too late.

“I think we think it’s never going to happen to us, and it can happen to anybody. You know, the important thing is just knowing that your smoke alarms are new enough. They need to be 10 years old or newer. And it’s important to know where to install them and that’s what our volunteers do. You know they’re knowledgeable in how many you should have per home, as well as the best place to have them .”

Community Risk Reduction Officer, Andy Marceau, says people give many reasons for not having working smoke detectors, but that won’t help in the long–run. This free program is the perfect opportunity to ensure your home and your family’s safety.

“Well, believe it or not, there are still people who don’t have working smoke detectors in their house, and if we can make a difference by putting in one smoke alarm and help save a family to make a difference, that’s what we’re out here for. It’s also a change for the fire department. Usually we’re putting out fires, now we’re trying to prevent fires.”

If you need smoke detectors in your home, you can reach out to the Red Cross at (989)259–8922, or the Alpena City Fire Department at (989) 354–1859.