PEORIA, Ill. – Some Peoria residents got something that local officials argue they desperately needed Thursday, thanks to the Peoria Fire Department and the American Red Cross.
Volunteers Thursday took part in the Red Cross’ annual “Sound the Alarm — Save a Life” campaign.
“We’re going out into neighborhoods here in Peoria area with our Red Cross volunteers and some of our corporate partners to install free smoke alarms,” said Lyn Hruska, Executive, American Red Cross of Central Illinois. “While we’re there, we will work with the families to make sure they know how to create an evacuation plan, and know how to get out of multiple rooms multiple ways.”
Peoria Fire officials say the evacuation plan is just as important as the actual smoke detector, if not moreso.
“When we go to the schools and we present to the kids during Fire Prevention Week, the number one thing I tell the kids is when that smoke detector goes off, to get out,” said Nate Rice, Peoria Fire Division Chief of Fire Prevention. “I literally have the kids repeat those two works probably two or three times within the presentation is to get out. Because, that’s what’s going to save lives.”
Rice says don’t look for pets or other items to take with you, but it’s a bit tougher to get yourself out without having to look for family first. He says that’s why finding an emergency meeting place is important when evacuating.
The smoke alarms were free to residents who signed up, and are the new models under Illinois law that have a built-in ten-year battery that homes newer than built in 1988 need.
The Red Cross and-or Peoria Fire will come out any time to install a free smoke detector. Just call them.
