Wabash, Ind. – A collaborative event between Parkview Wabash Hospital, the American Red Cross (ARC) and the Wabash Fire Department has been set for March 23 from 3 – 7 p.m. Parkview Wabash Hospital volunteers will assist the local ARC chapter and fire department in installing smoke detectors in homes in at-risk neighborhoods.
Parkview Health participated in this event for the first time last year in the Parkview Hospital Randallia neighborhood. A total of 107 smoke detectors were installed. The event was such a success that the organizations decided to roll this out to all communities that Parkview serves.
The Red Cross provides all the training and education to the volunteers before the event, as well as tools and supplies, water and snacks during the event. Each team member will wear an American Red Cross vest to identify themselves to the community.
The American Red Cross will provide as many smoke detectors as needed for each residence. The new smoke detectors have a 10-year battery. Residents can request that the team check their existing detectors and batteries will be provided, if needed.
On the day of the event, volunteers work in teams of 3-4. One team member will provide outreach education on fire and weather safety to residents while the other team members install the detectors.
According to the American Red Cross, the nationwide program,”Last year, this nationwide program of the ARC saved 146 lives, including 11 lives in Indiana.”