The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York will give away a free smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector, while supplies last, to those who donate blood at the Fralick Donation Center on Wednesday and Thursday, and Sept. 26-27.
Blood donations are open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. all four days.
"The American Red Cross is helping to promote September as Preparedness Month," said Kathy Burch, assistant executive director of the local Red Cross chapter. "Through the generosity of Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company and Everydays True Value, we are able to offer these potentially life-saving detectors to members of our community."
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From left are Mark Prechtl, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company; Kathy Burch, American Red Cross; Steve Columbare, Everyday’s True Value; and Brian Willink, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company.
According to Ms. Burch, statistics have shown that fire deaths have been cut in half since smoke alarms were introduced in the late 1970s.
"Those who come in to donate blood during the last two weeks of September will be able to have a free smoke detector or CO2 detector to make their home better prepared. The Red Cross mission is to help alleviate human suffering, and helping to prevent injuries from home fires and CO2 poisoning is something that is very important for our community members," Ms. Burch said. "Not only are you helping to save up to three people with your blood donation, you are doing something to protect yourself and your family by adding one of these detectors to your home."
To make a blood donation appointment, call 800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are welcome.