LaFayette, GA – Walker County Emergency Services (WCES) and the American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia are sounding the alarm to save lives. The two organizations have partnered to provide free smoke alarms to Walker County residents in need of these life saving devices.

WCES received a donation of 150 smoke alarms from the Red Cross to distribute throughout the community. Residents can call 706-539-1255 and press #2 for the Fire Marshal’s office to request one. Smoke alarms will be given out and installed on a first come, first served basis. Once the supply is exhausted, WCES will place residents on a waiting list to receive an alarm as additional inventory becomes available.

Special smoke alarms for hearing impaired residents are also available.

WCES worked 71 residential fires in 2017. In recent weeks, firefighters have responded to a number of incidents where smoke alarms alerted homeowners to a problem, allowing them to escape safely. However, the National Fire Protection Association reports roughly five-million households still do not have even one working smoke alarm.

December, January and February are peak months for residential fires, due to increased use of home heating equipment.