In April 2021 Umatilla County Fire District #1 entered into a partnership with the American Red Cross to enhance the fire district smoke alarm program. With this partnership, comes added capacity for devices, installation, and additional technology. On 07/06/2021 Umatilla County Fire District installed the first device acquired under this collaboration. This device is to assist those with hearing impairments for notification that the smoke alarm is sounding in the residence. This device works with the smoke alarm already installed in the residence by recognizing the tone produced when the alarm sounds. This device then alerts with an audible tone that may be heard by some with hearing deficits. There is also a vibrating device that shakes the bed alerting a sleeping individual.

Umatilla County Fire District #1 is proud of this partnership with the American Red Cross and the increased benefit this provides to the patrons of our fire district.

A working smoke alarm provides the best chance to make it out of a burning structure. Umatilla County Fire District #1 and the American Red Cross would like to remind folks to test their smoke alarms regularly and LEARN THE SOUNDS OF FIRE SAFETY!