Submitted

ELLIS–The Ellis Fire Department is once again giving away smoke detectors to local families.

According to Firefighter Tim Kohlrus, each family in Ellis is eligible for one free fire detector. Signup continues through Fri., Sept. 30 at Ellis City Hall by calling (785) 726-4812.

Kohlrus said installation of the detectors by firefighters is tentatively scheduled for October. The Ellis Smoke Detector Give-Away project is made possible by grant funds from the American Red Cross.

The fire death rate in homes with working smoke alarms is 51 percent less than the rate for homes without this protection, according to the National Fire Protection Association.