Red Cross Coordinates Fire Safety Checks With Weather Getting Colder

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Red Cross mobilized volunteers in McKees Rocks on a day when hand warmers were as important as any other equipment.

They were also armed with ladders to help install smoke detectors if necessary.

One team headed to the home of Patricia Hill.

They talked with her about having a fire safety plan and about whether the smoke detectors she had worked. Some didn't.

Some needed batteries, but before they left, all of them worked.

Signs & Symptoms Of Frostbite & Hypothermia, And How To Guard Against Them
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

Patricia Hill's children check up on her but she admits fire safety isn't the first thing on her mind.

How often does she check her smoke detectors?

"Well I left that up to my husband and he's not around anymore," she said. "I guess I haven't really since he died."

The Red Cross launched the effort now because this is the time of year that space heaters and other items are used more often and can be a danger if not used properly.

House fires have been known to occur because of the weather.

"Alternate heating methods, use of candles, electrical demands all play a big role in fires and particularly this part of the season," said Jim Good of the Red Cross. "This is making it more critical because of the weather, the cold, et cetera, so yeah this is perfect timing."

The Red Cross hopes that efforts like these will cut the number of damages injuries and deaths caused by fires by 25 percent.