Sound the Alarm event takes action against home fires
By M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
How many sleeps do you think you’ll have in your home without the simple security of a working smoke alarm? For many in Alexander and Arnegard, that silent vulnerability was addressed on April 26 during the “Sound the Alarm” event, a collaborative effort spearheaded by McKenzie County Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, and local fire departments.
“The goals are for communities to make themselves safer and more prepared for home fires and ultimately, save lives,” explained Karolin Jappe, McKenzie County Emergency Manager. This proactive initiative brought together approximately 12 volunteers, a mix of local residents and Red Cross personnel, who formed teams of installers, educators, and documenters. Their mission: to go door-to-door, offering free smoke alarm installations and vital home fire safety education.
The impact of the day was tangible. According to Jappe, “On April 26, teams assisted 83 residents, visited 24 homes and installed 45 alarms.” This direct action addressed a critical need, as Jappe pointed out, “Many people may be surprised at how many people did not have any alarms.” In one instance, volunteers encountered a home with alarms that had gone untested for 25 years. “We never think about them’ All alarms were replaced,” Jappe recounted. In other situations, hardwired alarms lacking crucial battery backups were supplemented with battery-operated units, ensuring protection even during power outages.
The success of “Sound the Alarm” hinged on the strong partnerships forged between the participating organizations. “The Red Cross knows the program. McKenzie County knows the fire departments. Fire departments know the community,” Jappe stated, emphasizing how this synergy allowed them to “share information, target the most vulnerable and continue making people safer after April 26.” Local firefighters played a crucial role, not just in the installations but in building trust within their communities. As one firefighter noted, “It was nice to get to know people. Some really needed alarms, and now they see the face of local firefighters.”
While the event itself encountered no significant challenges, the long-term benefits for Alexander and Arnegard are expected to be substantial. Jappe hopes the initiative “raised awareness of this program, the free service, how we may team up to help each other in the communities. Even if we just test an alarm for folks who shouldn’t be climbing ladders, we may save a life.”
“Preparedness is everything,” Jappe asserted, highlighting how “Sound the Alarm” aligns with McKenzie County’s broader emergency preparedness strategy. The event not only provided immediate safety measures but also fostered stronger community connections. “I know that Alexander and Arnegard fire truly enjoyed getting to know more people in their communities and being able to keep them safe is very important. It’s also all about partnerships.”
For residents who missed the event or are newly interested in obtaining a free smoke alarm, Jappe noted that “Current, outstanding smoke alarm requests can be fulfilled through local fire departments,” and appointments can also be requested through the American Red Cross website.
The success of “Sound the Alarm” underscores the power of community collaboration in addressing vital safety needs. McKenzie County’s proactive approach, with the invaluable support of the American Red Cross and local volunteers, has undoubtedly made Alexander and Arnegard safer, one smoke alarm at a time. Jappe also extended gratitude to Cash Wise Foods of Watford City for their generous lunch donation to the volunteers, further highlighting the community spirit that made the event a success.
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