The American Red Cross has joined up with Oxford Fire Department to conduct fire safety activities this month.

Oxford Fire Department will have volunteers go door-to-door in local neighborhoods on Saturday to install smoke alarms, discuss fire safety and distribute fire safety information to local residents.

The American Red Cross every year responds to about 70,000 disasters across the country — and more than 90 percent are fire-related.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in home fires by half,” said Tracie Pruitt, Home Fire Campaign volunteer lead. “As a part of our work to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies, the Red Cross and its partners are educating the community and providing vital information on fire safety and the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms. We are thrilled to have the support of Oxford Fire Department to help us carry out this life-saving service.”

Reducing deaths and injuries from home fires goes beyond the means of any one organization, said the Red Cross.

“We have an opportunity to make a change in our community in our partnership with the American Red Cross.  We’re committed to working together to make a dent in home fire deaths and injuries,” said Fire Public Educator Will Stewart of the Oxford Fire Department. 

The North Mississippi American Red Cross is working with the Lafayette County fire departments to expand this program out into the Lafayette County area.

If you need a working smoke alarm, contact the Oxford Fire Department or your local fire department, or the Red Cross and arrangements will be made to make sure your family has a working smoke alarm in your home.