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BARNESVILLE - A new American Red Cross survey shows that roughly two in five people think it’s more likely that they’ll win the lottery than lose their home in a fire. But the real odds are the opposite: the chance is greater of dying from exposure to fire or smoke (nearly one in 1,500), compared to winning the lottery (typically one in millions).
“This public opinion poll showcased the need for smoke alarms across the country, and here in Lamar County, it’s is no different,” said Connie Hensler I Executive Director of American Red Cross Central Midwest Georgia. “That’s why the Central Midwest Georgia Chapter is looking to recruit volunteers to install 300 or more free smoke alarms in Barnesville on May 4.”
The Red Cross and the Lamar County Fire Department (Chief Douglas Matthews) will be conducting a fire campaign event, called Sound The Alarm, in Lamar County on Saturday, May 4. The purpose is to install smoke alarms in vulnerable homes and educate residents on fire safety. Alarms will be installed by event volunteers and all services and alarms are free.
The Red Cross and Lamar Fire would like to install 350 alarms which will require 45 to 55 volunteers. The area to be canvassed is in the vicinity of Zebulon, Atlanta, and Grove Streets. All training and materials will be provided the morning of the event.
The staging location will be at the Fire Station located at 107 Country Kitchen Road in Barnesville. The time of the event will be from 8:30 am to 4 pm (end time estimated). “We’ll have everything there, the training, and the alarms,” said Gaines Harman, Red Cross Volunteer.
The agenda is as follows: Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. when teams of 2 or 3 will be determined, supplies distributed, and assignments (streets or areas) made. Training will begin at 9 a.m. By 9:30 or 10 a.m. all teams will be in the field with teams returning at 1 pm for lunch and to report status of their assignments. Teams will go back out to complete assignments as needed from 2 to 4 p.m.
Red Cross will provide supplies of screw drivers, screws, alarms (10 year no battery change), ladders, assignment locations, educational material including checklists and fire safety material, documentation required for smoke alarm installation verification, and Red Cross vests.
Red Cross is looking to partner with groups such as churches, county agencies, local community volunteers and the Lamar County Fire Department.
If you or your youth group, community group, etc. are interested in volunteering, please go to Click here and scroll down to the Barnesville event to sign up. This sign up ensures that volunteers receive a t-shirt as a thank you for helping out in this community effort.
Updated 4.16.19: Georgia Power is providing snacks for the day for all volunteers and McDonald’s is providing lunch.