The life you save may be your own
If you knew there was something that could save your life and the lives of your family members and friends, wouldn't you want to take advantage of it?
Of course you would.
Well, that lifesaver exists in the form of a smoke detector. And you can have them for next to nothing.
To live in a home or apartment without a smoke detector makes no sense, especially with the rash of home fires we've seen in Caldwell County during the last four months.
During that time, local firefighters have had to battle a number of blazes that have left families homeless or caused significant damage to their homes. The local chapter of the American Red Cross has provided assistance in various forms to, give or take, approximately 30 families or individuals during that time.
Fortunately, there have been no deaths or injuries associated with those fires, but there's always that chance, especially if a fire burns unnoticed while residents are sleeping or taking a shower.
In many home fires, it's activation of a smoke detector that alerts residents to smoke and fire, and allows them to get out of the home in time to save their lives, as well as those around them.
If that's not something every home needs, I don't know what is. They are especially valuable in homes where the elderly, disabled and young children live.
Some people may not be able to afford detectors or may not know how to install them once they get them.
But thanks to the Caldwell County Fire Marshal's Office and local fire departments, all of that can be taken care of for county residents.
The fire marshal's office received 500 smoke detectors through a grant from the “Get Alarmed, North Carolina” program, and officials are passing the life-saving detectors on to residents at no cost.
Anyone wanting a detector in the home simply needs to contact the fire marshal's office at 757-2177 or any local fire department. A firefighter will come to the home and install the detector at no cost and explain how it works.
It doesn't get any easier than that.
Fire prevention officers and educators throughout the county sing the praises of smoke detectors every day when they spread their message to citizens. And there have been numerous examples of how detectors have alerted people to home fires and ultimately saved their lives.
So, that being said, it only makes good sense to make sure your home and family is protected by having detectors installed. You never know, the next life saved by a working alarm could be yours.
Managing Editor