Firefighters offer in-home fire prevention training

Frequent use of heaters and candles during the winter months increase the risk of residential fires. Nearly half of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke detectors or with smoke detectors with worn batteries.

During October, National Fire Safety Month, and November, the Grant Wood Area Chapter is partnering with community firefighters to provide Battery Up, a free program offering in-home fire prevention to elderly, disabled and low-income residents.

Community firefighters and Grant Wood Area Chapter volunteers will visit residents of Iowa City to change smoke detector batteries and identify fire safety hazards in the home. Residents wishing to receive the in-home visit must make an appointment by calling 319-337-2119.

Iowa City Battery Up: September 23 and 24 from 6:00pm – 8:00 pm. Those wishing to participate may contact the Grant Wood Area Chapter at 319-337-2119.

Residents who have already registered for Battery Up, but have not received a reminder post card should contact the Grant Wood Area Chapter to confirm their appointment.

Smoke detectors that work properly reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 50 percent. Fire experts recommend that residents test smoke detectors regularly and change the batteries twice a year.

The American Red Cross Grant Wood Area Chapter serves the residents of Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Delaware, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington Counties. Last year the chapter replaced or installed smoke detector batteries in 507 homes, helping to prevent devastating fires. For more information about Battery Up or other American Red Cross programs or services, contact the Grant Wood Area Chapter at (319) 393-3500 in Linn County, (319) 337-2119 in Johnson County or toll-free at (800) 982-2438.