The Galesburg Fire Department is celebrating almost a decade of collaboration with the American Red Cross, a partnership that brings free smoke alarms to local households. Each year, the department installs approximately 200 alarms, ranking Galesburg among the top five departments in the area for this vital service. Fire officials emphasize the importance of early detection and hope to boost community safety with ongoing outreach. Residents interested in receiving a free smoke alarm can easily request one through the city’s official website, ensuring more homes are equipped with lifesaving devices and families have valuable early-warning protection.
Captain Caruana, fire investigator and lead for the Red Cross Smoke Alarm Program, shared, “Over the years, we’ve witnessed firsthand the life-saving impact of smoke alarms. They provide early notification, giving people critical time to escape. On the other hand, we’ve seen the tragic consequences when homes lack these alarms during a fire. By installing an average of 200 alarms each year, the Galesburg Fire Department ranks among the top five in the northwest region, demonstrating our commitment to proactive fire safety.”
The National Fire Protection Association reports that working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death in a house fire by 60%. Shockingly, most fire fatalities happen in homes with no functioning alarms. To protect your household, replace batteries in each alarm at least once a year, unless your device uses a sealed, 10-year battery. Monthly testing is crucial—simply press the “test” button to confirm the alarm sounds. Don’t forget to check the expiration date, typically found on the back of the device, and replace any unit older than 10 years, as recommended by state fire officials. Don’t leave safety to chance.
“The Galesburg Fire Department has partnered with the American Red Cross for almost ten years to provide free smoke alarms to our residents. In my twenty-six years on the department, this has been one of the most successful smoke alarm programs we have assisted with,” said Chief Hovind. “Being able to offer alarms is a vital service to our community. Working smoke alarms provide families with extra time to safely escape in the event of a fire.”
