Southeast Missouri Red Cross Chapter to install smoke alarms during Sound the Alarm event

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Together with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, the Red Cross Club of Southeast Missouri State University, and the PORCH Initiative, the Southeast Missouri Red Cross Chapter will install smoke alarms in Cape Girardeau-area homes on March 4. 

Red Cross Regional Communications Manager Joe Zydlo said the importance of having properly working smoke alarms in your home cannot be overstated. 

“We have seen from time to time, whether it’s been in our region or throughout the country that people that do have the smoke alarms installed, they do help save lives,” he said. “They alert you when there is a fire, and you can get your family and people out safely and save lives, and that’s really what it’s all about.” 

Since July of last year, the Red Cross has responded to over 1,200 home fires in the state of Missouri, and about 150 of those have taken place in Southeast Missouri. 

“Home fires are a constant threat in our community,” Zydlo said. “They account for most of our disaster responses, so by us taking and making these efforts, it makes a real lasting difference and saves lives and protects those that are most vulnerable.” 

Zydlo described the feeling of installing these smoke alarms and potentially saving lives: “You feel good about doing something like that because you feel like, hey, I’m actually doing something that will prevent what could be a really tough and a bad result.” 

If you wish to sign up for a free smoke alarm or volunteer to install one, visit soundthealarm.org/Missouri.