Saving Lives One Smoke Alarm At A Time

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The Fargo Fire Department and American Red Cross could be visiting your home today. KVRR’s Sarah Brechbill joined the team, while they delivered smoke alarms to more than 300 Fargo homes.

Seven times a day someone in the country dies from a home fire. That’s why the Red Cross set up a three year initiative to get a smoke detector in every home.

“Just really want to emphasize the need for you and your family to have a conversation about how to get out of your home in the event that a fire starts.”

Judy Green has already seen the program save lives. During one of the rounds, she installed a smoke alarm in a man’s home and that very night it went up in flames.

“That smoke detector went off that night and the fire started and that person was able to get out, so we did save a life,” says Red Cross Dakotas Regional Executive.

“And 62 percent of all house fire injuries and deaths are related to non–working smoke alarms. The Red Cross recommends that you check them at least twice a year.”

Like many, Tia Miller doesn’t follow the twice a year rule.

“I check once in a while see if they’re working,” says Tia Miller of Fargo. 

But she might change that habit. She babysits her two nephews and niece every day at the home.

“I don’t want them to be hurt in a fire, I don’t know what I would do without these three,” says Miller. 

And she can rest easy as she now has a new, working smoke alarm.

But soon enough Judy and her team are off to the next house.

Saving lives, one smoke alarm at a time. Sarah Brechbill, KVRR News.

1900 smoke alarms were installed last year across the Dakotas. This year, the goal is 3,000.