A RED Cross Limestone Coast initiative will be rolled out tomorrow as the first installation of free smoke alarms occurs in Mount Burr.
Volunteers from the Red Cross Handyman Service will carry out installation of the devices, with a partnership between Banner Mitre 10 and Quell ensuring the program remains free of charge.
The project was initiated by Red Cross Limestone Coast following last month’s fatal house fire in the township.
Long-time Mount Burr resident Wilma Moore commended the Red Cross and the two companies for the initiative.
“I welcome anything which saves lives,” Ms Moore said.
A resident of the town since emigrating from the United Kingdom in 1973, Ms Moore said the offer of free smoke alarms had been embraced.
“We will have a door-knock to find others as people may be reluctant to come forward.”
Quell spokesman Bradley Taylor said his company was a leader in the fire safety products industry.
“We recognise that with leadership comes a responsibility to the communities we serve,” Mr Taylor said.
“That’s why we are proud to be able to provide these smoke alarms in conjunction with the Australian Red Cross.
“This initiative will help make communities safer for years to come.”
Banner Mitre 10 spokesman Bob Jones said the firm was pleased to be involved in the initiative after recent events at Mount Burr.
“Congratulations to the Red Cross team for getting this under way and to Quell for their kind donation,” Mr Jones said.
“Well done to all involved and I am sure it will have a positive impact.”
Red Cross regional manager David Walshaw said the recent tragedy in the town was the catalyst for the initiative.
“It is part of a bigger reform program to reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing for the town’s residents,” Mr Walshaw said.
“Red Cross will shortly be providing a range of transport options for members of the Mount Burr community which will include transport for medical and allied health appointments, a shuttle twice a week to Millicent, Tantanoola and Mount Gambier and return as well as bus trips twice a month for structured social outings.
“We will also talk to the residents about the fabulous home handyman service keeping residents in their homes longer as well as TeleCross and TeleChat.
“Telecross being a welfare call every morning to check the resident is OK and TeleChat is a call in the afternoon for a longer period to converse with the resident to reduce their isolation.”
Mr Walshaw said there was already a lot of interest in these initiatives and he hoped this would be the model that could be rolled out into other small communities in the Wattle Range, Grant and Mount Gambier council areas.
The various initiatives were explained at the Mount Burr general store on Tuesday morning when Red Cross personnel met with residents.
