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| Chris Martelle, Wellsville Fire Prevention Coordinator |
On average, seven people die and 36 people are injured in
home fires in the U.S. everyday. That’s why the Wellsville Volunteer Fire
Department (WVFD) has partnered with the American Red Cross to participate in
the “Sound the Alarm-Save a Life-National Event.” This is the first year the
WVFD has participated in the event which aims to make up to three FREE smoke
detectors available to every household in the Town of Wellsville. Chris
Martelle is the Department’s Fire Prevention Coordinator. He said “there is no
age group…there are no income requirements…if you need a smoke detector, they
are available.” The Red Cross will launch the event on Saturday April 28th,
when the goal is to install 550 detectors in Western New York. Martelle said
they will also offer “bed shaker” alarms for those who are hearing impaired.
All expenses are being paid for by the Red Cross, which obtained a grant. Martelle
said the “ultimate goal is to have three smoke detectors installed in every
home (in Wellsville).”
He’s how this program will work – Using the emails provided
in this story, you’ll contact the fire department and request the detectors
(please put “smoke detectors” in the subject line). Then, on April 28th,
a team of three Wellsville firefighters will come to your home and personally
install the detectors. Two volunteers will do the actual installation, while a
third meets with the family to review and/or develop a fire evacuation plan for
your home. The member will discuss exit drills and evaluate your fire
extinguishers and placement (if you have any). You’ll also develop a safe
meeting location so that families and First Responders know everyone has safely
exited the structure. The process will take 30 minutes or less. Martelle said
the department plans to arrive at you home in a fire engine and that children,
if you have any, can learn about the equipment. According to Red Cross
statistics, as of January 1, 2018, 332 lives have been saved because of
properly installed smoke detectors. The Red Cross also reports that you have
two minutes or less to escape your home once a fire is discovered. Martelle
also stressed that even though this event has been scheduled for April 28th,
the free smoke detectors will be available year-round…just request one.
Additional safety material will also be provided during the home visit.
While this is the first year Wellsville Fire has
participated, departments in Andover and Rushford have already been doing this
program.
To request your free smoke detectors, send a message to
either:
Other members of the Wellsville Fire Prevention Team include
DJ Helmer, Nikki Helmer, John Fleischman, Kevin Fleischman and Garrett Gardner.
