SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Volunteers with the American Red Cross and firefighters with South Charleston could be seen going door-to-door on Wednesday.
The knocks on doors were a part of the American Red Cross West Virginia Region’s “Sound the Alarm” campaign kickoff to help bring awareness to the importance of fire safety-centered around smoke detectors and fire alarms inside homes.
“We walked around the neighborhood, knocked on doors and asked people if they had alarms and would like some installed,” South Charleston Firefighter Josh Burdette said.
“We replaced batteries, we replaced smoke alarms. We did just a little bit of everything. Even would check in on extinguishers and other preventative measures.”
The two-week campaign officially got underway Wednesday morning with an event at South Charleston Fire Department Station #1 featuring U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).
Did you know WVians are more likely to die in a home fire than any other state? Proud to join @ARCWV today to bring awareness to #EndHomeFires. Make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries today! And thank you to our firefighters who put themselves on the line every day. pic.twitter.com/fmjYLjVq0V
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) April 24, 2019
After the event is when the firefighter and workers went to town with the message of the importance of fire safety.
Burdette said a few tips include to check the batteries of the smoke detectors often and make sure they are in the right places near kitchens and heating units.
He also added to be conscious of fire extinguishers in the house and always have an escape plan.
“As far as either letting people know that there is something burning in their house,” he said of detectors and alarms. “Or to let the fire department know earlier so we can respond quicker.
“It could also let the homeowners know that way they can get out of the house and save lives.”
According to the American Red Cross, the “Sound the Alarm” home fire safety effort will install 100,000 free smoke alarms in 100 cities across the country including South Charleston.
The campaign runs through May 12 but Burdette said his department is always willing to help with fire safety.
“Through the city of South Charleston, we keep smoke alarms readily available,” he said.
“The citizens of South Charleston can come in and pick them up. They can also give us a call, any day of the year if you are a resident we will come and install smoke alarms for you free of charge.”