Are Your Smoke Alarms Working?

Our speaker this week [August 26] was John Lamb, Director of Communications & Government Relations for the Maine Region of the American Red Cross. The Red Cross responds to about 300 fires each year in Maine. They would like to see that number go down so they are adding an emphasis on fire prevention. John spoke about the importance of maintaining smoke alarms, having a planned escape route and practicing it, having a predetermined meeting place, and having a “Go Bag” by the door packed with items you may need if you have to leave a burning home (shoes, jacket, information about prescriptions, flashlight, etc.). The Red Cross has been conducting canvasses in which they go door to door, talk to residents about fire safety and even install smoke alarms. They are scheduled to do a canvassing in South Portland on November 7. If you have any interest in volunteering to participate in the canvas, please contact John (523-5124 or John.Lamb@redcross.org).