Henry County ranks the sixth worst county in the state for fire-related injuries and deaths, according to information recently released by the National Fire Protection Agency.
To help make improvements, a group of Ball State University students from a group known as the Red Cross Cardinals went door-to-door Saturday on New Castle’s east side, providing and installing free smoke detectors to those in need. The program, called the Home Fire Campaign, was made possible through a grant the Red Cross Cardinals received from the Henry County Community Foundation.
“We go door-to-door and educate people on fire safety,” said Michael Filosa, program coordinator for the Home Fire Campaign.
About 18 students canvassed New Castle streets, pulling red wagons loaded with supplies, including 10-year smoke detectors and batteries. Prior to the event, the students were trained in smoke detector installation, data collection and education-related content.
“It’s a great program,” said New Castle Fire Chief Mark Boatright Sr. “You don’t know how many people in the community don’t have smoke detectors, or can’t afford them. Here in New Castle we have been giving away smoke detectors for years at Fire Station 1, but people don’t come get them because they don’t have the means to.”
“We have more success going to the houses,” Filosa added.
Saturday, the Red Cross Cardinals had a goal of installing 100 smoke detectors, which would serve about 300 people if each home averaged about three people per household. The group conducted a similar endeavor previously in Knightstown, but Saturday was their first time in New Castle.
“We appreciate them thinking about our community,” Boatright said.
Zach Edwards, a member of Red Cross Cardinals, said the event was a positive experience.
“It’s always a fun time,” he said. “It feels nice to go out and help people who need it.
Fellow group member Danielle Franko agreed, saying seeing someone’s day change for the better was rewarding. Oftentimes, people aren’t expecting it, or can’t believe that it’s a free service, she said.
While installing a smoke detector, the group provided residents with literature such as a fire safety checklist and a disaster-related coloring book for children.
The Muncie Red Cross serves 13 counties, including Henry County. Local residents who want to have a smoke detector installed in their home free of charge should call 765-284-3361. The Red Cross Cardinals will be back in New Castle doing installations Dec. 12. Free smoke detectors are also available year-round at New Castle Fire Station 1, 227 N. Main St.
Fire Safety Checklist
✔ Stay in the kitchen when you fry, grill or use an open flame.
✔ Never smoke in bed.
✔ Keep matches and lighters locked away and out of children’s reach.
✔ Create a home fire escape plan, practice it at least twice a year and mark down your escape time.
✔ Keep fireplaces, space heaters, baseboard heaters, etc. at least three feet away from furniture, dish towels, curtains and anything that could catch fire.
✔ Appliances should be plugged directly into wall outlets.
✔ Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years. Unless a smoke detector has a long-life battery, change them every year.
✔ Test smoke alarms each month to ensure proper function.
Source: The American Red Cross
