A Message from your American Red Cross and the Caldwell County Fire Departments

The American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri and the Caldwell County Fire Departments are teaming up to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires by ensuring all homes in Caldwell County have working smoke alarms.

“Last year, the American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri responded to over 100 home fires”, states Karla Long, Disaster Program Manager, with the American Red Cross. “The good news is that you can help protect your family by installing and maintaining smoke alarms throughout your home and teaching your children what to do if they hear it.”

Families are encouraged to take these three steps to help minimize their risk:

· Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and check them monthly by pressing the test button

· Create a fire escape plan identifying two escape routes from every room of the home and identifying a meeting place a short distance from the home where family members can meet after escaping

· Practice the escape plan at least twice a year, paying particular attention to children or older adults who many require extra time and care

If you are in a need of a smoke alarm, one will be provided for you free of charge by calling the Caldwell County Health Department at 816-586-2311 or the American Red Cross at 816-232-8439. The installation will be done by members of the local Caldwell County Fire Departments