On March 29th, at eight locations across the Western New York/Finger Lakes Region, the American Red Cross-along with Project Paradigm and the Children's Fire & Burn Fund-presented Team Firestopper, a fire prevention fair, to residents in "at risk" communities. The first one hundred visitors to each location were given a smoke detector. This smoke detector lasts for ten years without needing to change a battery.
At the fair, several stations were set up to focus on various parts of fire prevention and first aid. Members of local fire departments gave demonstrations on how to properly use a fire extinguisher, medical personnel taught visitors how to do hands on CPR in the case of an emergency and bank representatives spoke about fire insurance. Red Cross volunteers provided tips on how to develop an escape plan and a first aid/fire prepardedness kit for homeowners. Volunteers also provided similar materials catered to children about fires and fire safety.
An average of $1,000 is spent for a family of four after a house fire. That money includes vouchers for food, clothing and shelter for those requiring those services. All of the money used to support these families is made possible through the generosity of donors.
For more on fire safety tips, visit: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/prevent-home-fires
