Summerville Fire Department’s Goal Is To Install 250 Smoke Detectors

Red Cross staff Julie Maloney and Carla Maton with Chief Latham and volunteer fire fighter

Saving Lives in Summerville, GA!
Sad but true, an average of seven people die every day in house fires. But, having properly working smoke alarms can increase the odds of surviving a home fire-related tragedy by 50 percent.
That’s why, on May 8th, the American Red Cross partnered with the Chattooga County Fire Departments to Sound the Alarm about home fire safety, in Summerville!
After a brief orientation, around 20 volunteers headed out in teams of three to install smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms and help families create a home fire escape plan—where every household member can get out safely, in two minutes or less. Services were provided at no charge to residents and after only a few hours, 52 alarms had been installed in nearly two dozen homes.
“If we can save one additional life, the time we spent installing alarms was worth it,” stated Chief Latham, Summerville Fire Department.

With a goal to install 250 alarms, the fire department will continue to work with the Red Cross to place alarms in homes that were previously identified. If any additional residents need smoke alarms, they can contact the local Red Cross office at 844-536-6226.
Wednesday’s efforts in Summerville were part of the Red Cross’ national Sound the Alarm campaign, which has already installed more than 1.6 million free smoke alarms and saved more than 580 lives across the country—14 right in Georgia!
“We were absolutely thrilled to partner with the fire department and community supporters to help save lives,” said Carla Dillard Homer, Chief Operating Officer for Georgia’s Red Cross.
To learn more about Sound the Alarm visit SoundTheAlarm.org. For more information on Red Cross services—including ways you can help—go to RedCross.org or call 1-800-Red Cross.