Rossville, GA – Walker County Fire Rescue and the American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia will be going door to door on February 2nd to improve fire safety in the Chattanooga Valley community. Teams will be canvassing the Dry Valley Road area to install smoke alarms at no charge, conduct a home safety survey and identify potential hazards in the home.
Four people died in two unrelated fire incidents on Dry Valley Road last year. Fire investigators did not find working smoke alarms in either home.
“Our greatest obstacle with our free smoke alarm program is getting people to sign up,” said Chief Blake Hodge. “In my 25 year career, I have not worked a residential structure fire that resulted in serious injury or death, when there were operating smoke alarms present. Smoke alarms save lives!”
Walker County launched a public service campaign last year that resulted in firefighters installing 228 smoke alarms. Only 21 smoke alarms were installed in 2017. “With over 68,000 residents, it’s important to diversify our communication efforts and approach, so this information gets to all our citizens,” added Chief Hodge. “We hope by adding this one-day blitz, we can increase participation.”
Volunteer opportunities are available for community members who would like to be part of this home fire preparedness campaign. To learn more or to register, contact the American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia at 706-728-3424 or email Carla Maton at carla.maton@redcross.org.
Any Walker County resident in need of free smoke alarms should contact Walker County Fire Rescue at 706-539-1255.