Prevent a Tragedy--Find a Free Smoke Alarm

Of all the home equipment that people neglect to buy, the worst is a lack of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.  While free CO detectors are pretty rare, many agencies offer free smoke alarms (when they have available grant money.  Remember, free things only hold out as long as the agency grant money does.).  After the tragedy of losing three children in a houshold fire, an Ohio community worked to provide free smoke alarms to the families of all its children. But don't wait for a tragedy yourself.  There's three basic places to look that may help:

1) Yes, check your community's 211 directory, if you have one.  Under the heading "smoke detectors," you can find the agency that provides free smoke alarms, if available.  Either check the online database, or call 211.

2) Your local fire department.  Many provide free smoke alarms when they have the funds.

3) Your local Red Cross chapter.  Some Red Cross chapters provide free smoke alarms, when they can afford to.

Also, make sure your Christmas tree lights aren't frayed, your plugs aren 't overloaded, and your tree doesn't get dry enough to make a good torch.  If you don't water your tree every day--the fire department might have to come do that for you, as well as the rest of your house.  Have a great, safe holiday.