A knock at the door that could save your life! Red Cross, MFD officials team up, install smoke detectors

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The American Red Cross celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 19th by reaching out to those in need. Red Cross volunteers went door-to-door in Milwaukee, working to keep folks safe.

It's a knock at the door that could save your life.

"Absolutely. Today we are going to make a difference as in every day," Milwaukee Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Gerard Washington said.

Armed with dozens of smoke detectors, Red Cross volunteers, folks with Hope Worldwide and Milwaukee Fire Department officials teamed up to canvass a Milwaukee neighborhood.

"This is where we had a high rate of fatalities and significant injuries and unfortunately fires," Washington said.

The city of Milwaukee saw eight fatal fires in 2014. Seven of those homes didn't have a working smoke detector.

Thanks to the efforts of volunteers Monday, Fannie Emerson has a working smoke detector.

"That`s so beautiful and wonderful. I can`t thank you all enough," Emerson said.

It was a surprise visit that made a difference in the lives of those living in Milwaukee.

"I had a feeling somebody might come to my house and had no idea it would be you all but I pray for you all`s success. You don`t know how happy I am," Emerson said.

Hundreds of new lithium battery smoke detectors were installed during this effort.

"You don`t have to worry about changing the battery itself. You just have to change the smoke detector in 10 years," Washington said.

Red Cross officials say bringing together civil and volunteer organizations is a great way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"What`s so important is this is a way that people can come together. It`s a unified goal, and hopefully we`re going to save some lives today," Barbara Behling with the American Red Cross said.

Since 2008, volunteers have celebrated the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday by reaching more than 300,000 households nationally.

A smoke detector is a very inexpensive safety tool. The fire department recommends that one detector be placed on each floor of your home and one in each bedroom and/or sleeping area. If you are in need of a working smoke detector, call the Smoke Detector Hotline at 286-8980 to see if you might be eligible for a free detector.

Related links: