Erath County United Way, Stephenville Fire Department partner for smoke alarm drive. Here’s how to give.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

The Erath County United Way and Stephenville Fire Department are teaming up to save lives by hosting a smoke alarm drive as part of the national campaign, “Make them Work for You."

Lisa Scroggins, executive director of ECUW, said the effort includes collecting 500 smoke detectors from Oct. 1-31.

Home fires claim seven lives every day, but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half, according to assistant fire marshal Brandon Lockenour.

If you would like to donate to the drive, drop boxes are located at the Stephenville Fire Department (both locations), Stephenville City Hall and the Erath County United Way office.

The drive will officially kick off at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Stephenville’s downtown plaza.

Once donations are received, the Stephenville Fire Department will install free smoke alarms, help create escape plans and share fire safety information with residents.