JAMESTOWN, NY (CCS-TV) — In a bid to bolster fire safety measures in Jamestown and its surrounding areas, the American Red Cross of Western New York has joined forces with Mayor Kim Ecklund and the City of Jamestown for the launch of its annual Sound the Alarm campaign. This initiative, forming part of a nationwide endeavor, aims to install 50,000 free smoke alarms across 50 signature communities throughout the fiscal year.
Recent statistics from the Red Cross underscore the pressing need for such efforts, particularly in Chautauqua County and the Jamestown community, which experienced a disproportionate number of home fires last year. Alarmingly, Chautauqua County ranked second highest per capita in New York State for the risk of injury or death from home fires.
To address this critical issue, a dedicated day of action is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, focusing on Jamestown. Volunteers, along with Red Cross staff and partner organizations, will conduct home visits by appointment to install up to four free smoke alarms per household. Additionally, residents will receive crucial home fire safety education, including guidance on crafting a two-minute escape plan.
Residents are urged to schedule their installation appointments for March 23 by visiting SoundtheAlarm.org/WNY.
Sound the Alarm serves as a vital component of the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, aimed at mitigating fatalities and injuries resulting from home fires, which account for the majority of the 60,000-plus disasters the organization responds to annually. The impact of home fires is profound:
– On average, seven lives are lost daily due to home fires, predominantly in residences lacking functional smoke alarms.
– Each day sees an average of 30 individuals sustaining injuries from home fires.
– Home fires claim more lives annually in the U.S. than all natural disasters combined, with property damage exceeding $7 billion.
– The Red Cross aids nearly 170 families daily affected by home fires or other disasters.
Nick Bond, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Western New York, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Jamestown and Chautauqua County face a disproportionate vulnerability to home fires. We’re mobilizing our volunteers and leveraging the generosity of donors to ensure these communities, and all those we serve, are safeguarded. We extend our gratitude to Mayor Ecklund and the Jamestown community for their support in achieving this life-saving objective.”
Mayor Kim Ecklund echoed the sentiment, urging Jamestown residents to seize the opportunity to enhance safety by availing themselves of free smoke alarms and installations. Ecklund emphasized, “Let’s prioritize safety and gratitude by acting now. We thank the Red Cross of Western New York for their invaluable commitment to Jamestown’s safety and well-being.”
Studies indicate that a functional smoke alarm can halve the risk of perishing in a home fire. Fire experts stress the importance of swift action, as individuals may have as little as two minutes to evacuate a burning home safely.
Bond outlined an ambitious goal of installing 750 free smoke alarms across the region’s 27-county footprint. For the March 23 day of action, volunteers aim to install 350 alarms in Jamestown alone, underscoring the ongoing need for additional volunteers to achieve this target.
“Over the coming days and weeks, the Red Cross and its partners will launch an extensive outreach campaign to educate the community on this invaluable resource and recruit volunteers for March 23,” Bond explained.
Volunteers, organized into groups, will install alarms and deliver safety education, including crafting escape plans. A minimum of 100 volunteers is required, with training provided by the Red Cross.
Individuals interested in volunteering for the March 23 day of action can register at SoundtheAlarm.org/WNY.
