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Red Cross plans local fire safety event Feb. 22

February 3, 2014

A photo of firetrucksHome fires are a safety concern in DeKalb, but through the Team Firestopper program, the American Red Cross is taking steps to ensure families are safe.

The Red Cross will host a community safety event at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at DeKalb High School, 501 W. Dresser Road.

Free fire safety equipment, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, will be given to the first 50 families who pre-register at (312) 729-6265. Special activities also are offered for youth in kindergarten through fifth-grade who will receive preparedness certificates for participating.

The Red Cross conducts community events across the 13-county region during the fall and winter when an increase in the number of home fires is reported during colder months.

Throughout the region, the Red Cross responds to three to four fires every day providing immediate relief such as shelter, food, clothing, health and mental health services and other special needs an affected family might have.

Volunteers with Team Firestopper host safety fairs to teach preparedness techniques and arm residents with equipment such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and surge protectors. They also canvass neighborhoods walking door-to-door with fire prevention information and schedule home visits to check for potential hazards.