In Kansas, Red Cross volunteers have helped more than 450 people after home fires since Jan. 1, 2021

 

 

This Sunday, as people turn their clocks forward for daylight saving time, the American Red Cross of Kansas and Oklahoma region encourages everyone to take this opportunity to test their smoke alarms.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, local Red Cross volunteers have helped more than 450 people with urgent needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance, and recovery planning, following 143 home fires across Kansas.

 

“Home fires remain the nation’s most frequent disaster during COVID-19,” said Brittney Rochell, Kansas Oklahoma Red Cross chief communications officer. “This weekend, take a moment to test your smoke alarms to help protect your family against home fires.”

 

HOW TO ‘TURN AND TEST’ Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. Below are steps to take when testing your alarms:

 

·         Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.

·         Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke alarms and follow the instructions.

·         Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.


Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download our free Emergency App (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).

NEWS

Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

thumb

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]

Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

thumb

  On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]

Commissioners review departmental budgets

thumb

SEKMHC budget cut   During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]

More News

PLEASANTON WEATHER

SPORTS

Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

thumb

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]

Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

thumb

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.

More Sports

COMMUNITY

Knowing and preventing kids sports injuries

thumb

School is about to begin and so are school sports. Kids of all ages, from elementary to high school enjoy competitive team sports but injuries happen in all of them. This article will focus on the types of injuries kids can get from playing sports and more importantly what kids,... [More]

4H Style Revue and Performing Arts set for July 26

thumb

The 2025 4-H Style Revue and Performing Arts Show will again be a pre-fair event, held on Saturday, July 26, at the First Baptist Church in Mound City. The event is open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. 4-Hers enrolled in the Style Revue project will be modeling their... [More]

Benefit dinner and auction July 26

thumb

Trumbley recipient of proceeds   On July 26, the 4H Building will be the site of a benefit dinner and silent auction in honor of Megan Trumbley who is currently battling cancer. Megan is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments and the benefit is being held... [More]

More Community

View Legals for Free Business Directory