Fire Walk

Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  Simply having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.  Nonetheless, many people disregard the importance of this simple piece of equipment.

Yesterday afternoon, volunteers from the Firelands Chapter of the American Red Cross canvassed the Oster’s Mobile Home Park on what they deem a “fire walk”.  Residents were given the opportunity to have their smoke detectors checked and have the batteries replaced.  If they did not own a smoke detector, one was installed at no charge to the resident.  Approximately, eight smoke detectors were installed in mobile homes in the Oster’s neighborhood.  Additionally, volunteers left fliers on doors of homes in the surrounding area informing residents that if they are in need of a smoke detector or simply a check of their existing one, they should contact the Huron Fire Department. 

Yesterday’s fire walk came as a direct result of the tragic death of Robert Lynch on September 22.  Lynch’s mobile home caught fire and was quickly engulfed in flames.  Lynch was unable to escape the fire.  American Red Cross volunteer and Huron resident, Dennis Pell, spent the day with Lynch’s family following the fire.  Pell sensed the concern of the other residents of the mobile home park and spear-headed the fire walk event. 

This year, October 5-11 is designated as National Fire Safety Prevention Week.  During this week, take some time to ensure that your home is safe and that your smoke alarms are working properly.  Here is a checklist of items to consider: http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Documents/HomeFireSafetyChecklist.pdf.  We can never be too careful or too prepared.