Red Cross Plans Local Fire Safety Event Saturday

The American Red Cross is hosting a community safety event this Saturday, February 22nd, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at DeKalb High School, 501 W. Dresser Road, DeKalb. Free fire safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers will be given to the first 50 families who pre-register at 312-729-6265. Special activities are also offered for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade who will receive a preparedness certificate for participating.

Home fires are a safety concern in DeKalb, but through the Team Firestopper program, the Red Cross is taking steps to ensure families are safe. The Red Cross conducts community events across the 13-county region during the fall and winter when an increase in the number of home fires is reported during colder months.

Throughout the region, the Red Cross responds to three to four fires every day providing immediate relief such as shelter, food, clothing, health and mental health services and other special needs an affected family might have.

The Team Firestopper program works to prevent home fires as part of the Red Cross’ effort to build disaster-resistant communities. Volunteers host safety fairs to teach preparedness techniques and arm residents with equipment such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and surge protectors. They also canvass neighborhoods walking door-to-door with fire prevention information and schedule home visits to check for potential hazards.

There are simple steps that everyone can take to protect their home and family from fire. For more information on fire prevention and safety visit  redcross.org/prepare/disaster/home-fire.

These community safety events are made possible due to the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Motorola Solutions Foundation as well as support from Pivotal Home Solutions, UL, First Alert and Ace. Visit redcross.org/il/chicago/local-programs/team-firestopper or call (312) 729-6265 for more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities with the Team Firestopper program.