Recently, Thompson Falls Woman’s Club collaborated with the Thompson Falls rural and city fire departments in providing inspections of in-home smoke detectors for residents in the area.

According to event leader Vonn Briggs, unfortunately there have only been a couple inspections. Despite this, she is expecting the event to become more popular as it takes place once again in October, during National Fire Prevention month.

“This was our first year,” commented Briggs about the soon-to-be annual event. She shared that the American Red Cross will be joining the Woman’s Club to help identify a plan that encourages more participation from senior citizens as well as all residents in the community. According to Briggs, “The Red Cross will be speaking with the Woman’s Club in May to come up with a clear plan,” developing a blueprint for event progress.

Briggs shared that the event began when Sandra Cullen expressed apprehension that Thompson Falls’ seniors were unable to have smoke detectors inspected and batteries changed. The Woman’s Club listened and decided to ask help from the local fire department to address this concern. “It is meant to be community-wide but focused on seniors,” Briggs said, opening the invite to all.

Briggs is looking forward to the future. “It was new this year. We hope to take away a false sense of security and have a safer community” through this program. She believes having the American Red Cross, along with local fire department support will help the Thompson Falls Woman’s Club obtain their goal of providing a service that helps improve personal safety.

More information on the club or the inspection event may be obtained by contacting Briggs at (406) 827-3577.