The Red Cross wants to help more people survive fires at home. This week, the Quad Cities chapter is participating in the nationwide, "Sound the Alarm, Installation Appointment Blitz."
Executive Director, Amber Wood, says part of the problem may be that people think they're more prepared than they really are.
For example, smoke alarms may be installed in a home but haven't been tested. Or they're more than ten years old and don't work anymore.
While installing the smoke alarms next month, Wood says volunteers will help residents find two ways to get out of every room, draw a map of the escape routes, and place the map on the refrigerator door where it's easy to find.
To receive a new smoke detector and have it installed, go HERE or call the Red Cross headquarters in Moline at 309.743.2166. The free alarms will be installed beginning in one month, on April 28th.
Volunteers are also needed, and the Red Cross will train people who are interested in helping.