ARC/SPFD Home Fire Campaign: Volunteers sought for lifesaving program

Volunteers who will be pre-trained to save lives in a simple but effective way are now being sought for a special American Red Cross/Santa Paula Fire Department program to install smoke detectors in area homes.

Sara Northrop, preparedness manager of the ARC Central California Region said the area that will be targeted in the May 14 Home Fire Campaign is from Richmond Road to East Santa Paula Street and Grant Line to Ojai Street.

“We worked with the Santa Paula Fire Department to determine which area was most in need,” of the free smoke detectors said Northrop. 

Having an operating smoke alarm in the home cuts the risk of death from a fire by 50 percent. As it is there are seven deaths a day across the nation from fire with many of the deaths resulting from no smoke detector or an inoperable detector in the structure.

There is no need for prior training or skills for Home Visit Teams, but they must register in advance so they can receive all the instructions the morning of the event during orientation. 

Northrop said volunteers can choose what they contribute either as an Installer, Educator or Reporter. There are even more volunteer opportunities in various ways, from supply preparation and pre-canvassing to community outreach and volunteer recruitment and correspondence among others. 

“So there’s no need for a fear of power tools or public speaking to stop volunteers from signing up. Everyone,” she noted, “can play an impactful role! This truly is a fun and meaningful event. The more volunteers we can get the more Santa Paula residents we can help.”

The May 14 Home Fire Campaign will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The American Red Cross and the Santa Paula Fire Department invite you to help canvass homes throughout our community to install free smoke alarms for families, while empowering them to make smart choices in an emergency.