Greenwich, Conn. – The Greenwich Fire Department, Police Department, and Emergency Medical Services Teams have joined forces with the American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter to help Sound the Alarm to end home fires in Greenwich. This is part of a national effort to educate 100,000 people about home fire safety in neighborhoods across America this spring. Fire fighters and other volunteers will meet with residents by appointment outside their homes to share fire safety information, help them create an escape plan to practice their two-minute fire drill, and install free smoke alarms. 

“Home fires remain the most frequent disaster during COVID-19, yet most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to safely escape,” said Stephanie Dunn Ashley, CEO, American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter. “Help keep your family safe by taking two simple steps: practice your two-minute escape drill and test your smoke alarms monthly. We are grateful to all of our partners at Greenwich Fire and Police Departments, along with Greenwich EMS and local volunteers who are helping us to help our neighbors protect themselves from these everyday disasters.”

“It is important for every family to have a working smoke detector in their home – it is important for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. Smoke detectors save lives and from my experience, I have seen too many tragedies as the result of not having a working smoke detector. This is such a great opportunity for the Greenwich Fire Department to team up with the Red Cross to provide smoke detectors to those who might not be able to provide them for their families,” said Joseph McHugh, Chief, Greenwich Fire Department. 

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE Help protect your family against home fires by taking two simple steps: Practice your two-minute escape drill and test your smoke alarms monthly. 

Visit www.soundthealarm.org/mnyn to sign up for a free smoke alarm and for more information and to pledge to prepare your family against home fires. 

• Create an escape plan with at least two ways to exit every room in your home. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet. 
• Practice your escape plan until everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes. 
• Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Change the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it. 
• Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from regional partners: Marsh McLennan, National Grid, PSEG Long Island, and Northville Industries.