Family Fire Drill Celebrates Inaugural Challenge

Darke County, OH October 29, 2013 You wake up to the sound of your smoke detector blaring, the air is heavy with smoke, you realize in a split second that your house is on fire and you must escape. The harsh reality is the risk of home fire is one of the greatest risks your family faces. Will your children know what to do, how to escape, where to go? To help Darke County families answer the question, the American Red Cross issued a challenge to families across the county, to hold a fire drill with their family on October 22nd from 5:30-6:30, teaching families the importance of what to do if their house caught on fire.

Local volunteers and staff canvassed Darke County taking photos, “catching” families practicing their drills and awarding prizes generously donated by area businesses Versailles, Arcanum & ACE Hardware, Troutwine Auto Sales, Tony Roberts Insurance and Hot Head Burrito. Additionally, families shared their photos on the Darke County American Red Cross Facebook page for even more prizes!

"Practice your Fire Drill at least twice a year,” said Lynne Gump, Executive Director, “This is one of the easiest ways to keep your family safe, our hope is that next year, every family in Darke County participates, it’s that important.” Visit www.redcross.org/OH/greenville for more tips and ways you can get involved with keeping your family prepared.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.