ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — When first-grader Ronan Blaisdell learned about fire safety through the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal’s “Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol” program, he never imagined he would have to put it into practice so soon. But when smoke alarms installed in partnership with the Bainbridge Fire Department went off during a fire, Ronan’s family knew what to do and exited the house safely.
The family credits their son and the State Fire Marshal’s Prevention Bureau’s ‘Sound Off’ program for saving their lives and their house. “This is an amazing outcome from our outreach program,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon. “It is incredibly encouraging to see a young child take the lessons they learn and apply them to real-life situations; fire prevention always pays off.”
Through the ‘Sound Off’ program, the State Fire Marshal’s office provides smoke alarms and teaches essential fire safety tips to Ohio residents, with the goal of reducing the number of fire-related deaths and injuries in the state. Thanks to Ronan’s quick thinking and the program’s efforts, this family was able to escape unharmed.
