Members of the Chattanooga Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau, along with firefighters from Station 4, canvassed the Rawlings Street area in Avondale last week installing free smoke alarms. The event followed the fatal fire Monday, April 1 at 2014 Rawlings Street that claimed the life of a child. The firefighters visited the homes along Rawlings Street as well as homes on nearby streets.
Fire Marshal James Whitmire said the effort can’t negate the tragedy that occurred but hopefully will help prevent future tragedies. “The loss of a child has had a huge impact on this neighborhood,” said Whitmire. “We’re reaching out to the people here now to make sure they have working smoke alarms. Having at least one working smoke alarm more than doubles your chances of surviving a fire in your home.”
The firefighters visited a little over 40 homes in the area around Rawlings Street. Out of the 40 homes visited, they installed 27 smoke alarms. In a few of those homes, firefighters installed two smoke alarms. They also replaced several dead batteries. Firefighters also gave literature on fire safety and a home fire prevention checklist to the residents.
The operation was similar to what the Chattanooga Fire Department does twice a year with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee. Different at-risk neighborhoods are visited each time.