The summer heat is still on us, so fire (other than campfires) might be the furthest thing from your mind. But it’s still hot on the minds of the folks with the American Red Cross.

Their Free Smoke Detector Program offers smoke detector installation to anyone who rents or owns a home in Lawrence County and neighboring counties, at absolutely zero costs to the owner or tenant. Volunteers with the program will visit your home, install smoke alarms, replace batteries and teach residents how to test and maintain their smoke alarms. They will also work with residents to help develop a fire escape plan and complete a fire-safety checklist.

If you’re interested in volunteering, they are also looking for volunteers to work in Lawrence County, for the smoke alarm program as well as other events.

You can reach out to the regional office, to volunteer or schedule a smoke alarm installation and fire safety check, by calling their Portsmouth location at 740-354-3293.

There may be more exciting things to do with our waning days of summer than preparing for the type of tragedy we hope we never encounter. But the Red Cross can help make sure you sleep better at night, knowing your family is safe in the event that the unthinkable happens. All you need to do is call and ask for the assistance.

If you and your family don’t have smoke alarms, or a fire safety plan, we suggest you take them up on the offer.