This past Saturday, Thomasville Fire Rescue partnered with American Red Cross of South Georgia to help install smoke alarms for local residents. The event kicked off the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign at Bay Tree Estates, and TFR Interim Chief Tim Connell said opportunities such as this help further TFR’s mission to keep every home and every life in Thomasville safe.
“A smoke alarm plays a critical role in home fire safety,” said Connell. “Installing alarms and providing education on fire safety is a very important aspect of our job. We were very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Red Cross to help make our local community safer and more prepared for what could be a devasting event for any family.”
National research data has found that from 2012-2016 smoke alarms were present in nearly three-quarter of reported home fires and sounded during 53% of those fires. Having a working smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death, with nearly 40% of all fire deaths occurring in homes that were not protected with an alarm. Because smoke alarms can be critical to life saving efforts, TFR began a program several years ago that offers free installation of smoke alarms.
“Annually, Thomasville Fire Rescue installs hundreds of smoke alarms in citizens’ homes,” said Connell, “Our smoke alarm program is a great resource that our community wisely uses, but events such as this one with the Red Cross allows us to assist a larger number of residents in one day while also providing critical fire prevention education.”
As part of the campaign, Red Cross Fire Preparedness team members installed and checked fire alarms while providing and discussing the importance of a home fire plan with residents. “Our local campaign is now in its fourth year and is a part of the national ‘Sound the Alarm. Save a Life.’ program of the American Red Cross,” said Mark Harmon, City of Thomasville Chief Building Official and American Red Cross of South Georgia Board Member. “Most people believe they will be awakened if there is a fire. It is important to understand that sometimes, that may not happen. Unfortunately, a fire may deprive the room of oxygen, which can seriously impact your ability to wake up and respond during a fire event.”
The national campaign to install more smoke alarms was launched in 2014 and has made more than 860,000 households safer. “Approximately three of every five home fire deaths take place in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that do not work,” said Harmon. “Functioning smoke alarms are critical for early detection of a fire. Having a working smoke alarm is the best way to reduce home fire death statistics. Our goal in offering this program for this neighborhood is to help ensure that our local residents are safe in a situation that can turn dangerous very quickly.”
Terri Jenkins, American Red Cross Executive Director of South Georgia, said that 719 lives have been saved nationwide due to increased fire alarm awareness as a result of the campaign. “Locally we have also seen a difference with nearly 25 lives saved in the State of Georgia. We are especially proud of our efforts in Thomas County where only one life has been lost since 2016.”
Local residents were grateful for TFR’s participation in the campaign and benefitted not only from the installations but also from the home fire plans. “My mother and I are so grateful for the fire department stopping by and checking on us,” said Thomasville resident Misty Wilson. “The Home Fire Campaign is great and a lot of people need to be more aware of the program because it saves lives, especially children and even pets. I am extremely appreciative of this partnership between the Red Cross and the local fire departments.”
A Red Cross sponsored picnic wrapped up the day, where participating residents enjoyed burgers and hot dogs grilled by members of the TFR. “Events such as this help organizations and communities come together,” said Harmon. “It was a great day that would not have been possible without the many hands that help put it all together. We appreciate the efforts of all our volunteers and partners, especially Celebration Church, the TFR and Thomas County Fire Rescue.”
Citizens are advised to check their smoke alarms and change the batteries twice each year, in line with Daylight Savings Time. “Now is a great time to check your alarm and be sure it is operating correctly,” said Connell.
TFR provides Thomasville residents free home smoke alarm inspections and installations. For more information, visit Thomasville.org or call 229-227-4099.
Pictured above, from left to right: Thomasville Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Mark Sealy, Chief Building Inspector and Red Cross Board Member Mark Harmon, Thomasville Fire Rescue Interim Chief Tim Connell, Thomasville Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Craig Dukes