TOPEKA (KSNT) – Topeka fire personnel are working with the American Red Cross to protect local families from potential fire-related incidents.
Kimberly Qualls with the City of Topeka said in a press release that the Topeka Fire Department (TFD) is partnering with the American Red Cross of Kansas to remind locals of two programs that are meant to help protect families from fire dangers and get them help in the aftermath of fires. She said these programs, the Smoke Alarm Installation Program and the Home Fire Assistance Program, allow people to get free smoke alarm installations and access emergency disaster relief services.
Smoke Alarm Installation Program
Topeka firefighters will, through the Smoke Alarm Program, install smoke alarms in local homes. Firefighters will also replace batteries in existing smoke detectors and conduct home fire safety surveys at zero cost to residents.
“Working smoke alarms save lives, and ensuring every household has access to this important protection is a priority for the Topeka Fire Department,” said Topeka Fire Chief Chad Longstaff. “Our partnership with the American Red Cross allows us to reach residents who may need assistance with smoke alarm installations while also connecting families affected by home fires with critical recovery resources. Together, we are working to prevent tragedies, protect lives and build a safer Topeka.”
Qualls said people can get standard smoke alarms along with specialized alarms that can be made available for those who have hearing impairments. Firefighters will assess each home to determine the best number of smoke alarms, along with helping decide where the alarms should be installed throughout the residence.
Qualls said the smoke alarm program places emphasis on people who may not be able to get smoke detectors. She said people who live in low-income households, older adults, families with young children and people who have disabilities are given priority under this program.
People can get smoke alarms through this program on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on available resources and funding. More information about the Smoke Alarm Installation Program can be found online by clicking here.
Is a rare earths extraction facility coming to Topeka?
Home Fire Assistance Program
Staff with the American Red Cross of Kansas help families by providing immediate disaster relief and emergency recovery help to people impacted by house fires or wildfires at no charge and regardless of an individual’s citizenship status. American Red Cross staff provide assistance by providing emergency lodging, direct financial help, health and mental health support and emergency comfort supplies.
“A home fire can turn a family’s life upside down in a matter of minutes,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Kansas. “Our mission is to ensure families facing these devastating circumstances have the immediate assistance, resources and support they need to begin recovering. Through our partnership with TFD, we are also helping families take proactive steps to protect their loved ones by providing free smoke alarms and important fire safety education.”
You can learn more about how to access emergency disaster aid through the American Red Cross of Kansas by calling 1-800-733-2767. You can also head to the organization’s website by clicking here.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
