The South Bend Fire Department and the American Red Cross of Northern Indiana have partnered together for home fire preparedness event.

The two agencies will take place on Saturday, April , 1, 2017

The South Bend Fire Department and the American Red Cross of Northern Indiana will partner from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on that day to install smoke alarms in residential homes.

Fire Chief Stephen Cox said, “A working smoke alarm is your first line of defense against smoke and fire in your home.” There will be about ten teams of South Bend Firefighters along with Red Cross Volunteers installing up to three smoke alarms in each house.

Crews from HomeWorks Construction will assist the fire department with installations. The minimum goal of reaching 100 houses in a three hour period will be tough to complete but should be manageable with approximately ten teams.

Installing a working alarm is only part of the task at hand says Captain Gerard Ellis, “Providing the family with education about a home escape plan is essential. Adults and children need to know what to do when the alarm goes off and what to do if smoke or flames block your exit.”

The smoke alarms and installations are free to selected residents. Partnering with agencies like the American Red Cross of Northern Indiana give residents the opportunity to receive free alarms.

Residents are encouraged to call 234-0191 at the American Red Cross or 235-9255 at the South Bend Fire Department to sign up before 12 p.m. on Friday, March 31.