The American Red Cross Loess Hills Chapter is undertaking an unusual outreach program today (Saturday). Red Cross spokesperson, Liz Dorland, says volunteers are teaming with the Council Buffs Fire Department and community partners to knock on doors in several “high-risk” neighborhoods to talk about fire prevention. “We will begin by knocking on your door just to hand you some fire safety information. In that bag will be some preparedness tips,” Dorland says. She says they will also ask if people have a working smoke detector and if the batteries need to be changes. If the batteries need to be changed, the fire department will send someone to check the smoke detector.

Red Cross volunteers will talk with residents about the importance of having a preparedness plan in case a fire does happen. Dorland says the event is part of what’s called “Project Alex.””It was started after seven-year-old Alex Pezeta died after a fire in 2010. The fire department is really partnering and working well with the American Red Cross to prevent such tragedies from happening again,” Dorland explained.

The Nebraska/ southwest Iowa Region Red Cross volunteers responded to more than 600 families in 2012 who were in need after a devastating fire. The fire canvassing event is from eight a-m until one p-m. The American Red Cross responds to a fire every eight minutes nationwide.

(Radio Iowa)