Clallam County Fire District #5, a valued partner of the Red Cross, will have volunteers go door-to-door in local neighborhoods on Saturday, March 12, to install smoke alarms, discuss fire safety and distribute fire safety information to local residents.

Every year, the Red Cross responds to about 70,000 disasters across the country — and more than 90 percent are fire-related. When a home fire or other disaster occurs, the American Red Cross provides food, shelter, comfort and hope to meet the immediate needs of those affected.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in home fires by half,” said Leah Kruc, Disaster Preparedness and Response coordinator, Red Cross Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas Chapter. “As a part of our work to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies, the Red Cross and its partners are educating the community and providing vital information on fire safety and the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms. We are thrilled to have the support of Clallam County Fire District #5 to help us carry out this life-saving service.”

If you live in the Clallam Bay area and are interested in having smoke alarms installed in your home on Saturday, March 12, contact:

Fire Capt. Martin Rausch at 360-640-0077.

The last day to sign up for this service is Friday, Feb. 26.

Reducing deaths and injuries from home fires goes beyond the means of any one organization. It is a national problem that needs a collaborative solution.

“We have an opportunity to make a change in our community in our partnership with the American Red Cross. We’re committed to working together to make a dent in home fire deaths and injuries,” said Patricia Hutson, fire chief.