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Chamois, Missouri Care teaming up with Community Christian Church for fire safety program

CHAMOIS, Mo. — Following the death of two children in a February house fire, the City of Chamois and Missouri Care, Inc. are teaming up with Community Christian Church to supply more than 300 smoke detectors to local homes.

“We were devastated by the tragic loss of life that occurred last month,” said Lou Gianquinto, president of Missouri Care. “Smoke alarms provide an early warning of fire, allowing families to safely escape. We hope this contribution will help keep the community safe.”

Missouri Care, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc., contributed $6,000 for the smoke detectors for homes in Chamois and surrounding Osage County.

The smoke detectors, available through the Community Christian Church in Linn, Missouri, include a 10-year, non-removable battery and will be installed by the Chamois Fire Department. During installation, fire department personnel will also discuss fire safety, including plans to leave the house, with children and families.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. In February, a Chamois family lost two children in a house fire.

“The Chamois Fire Department is very grateful to Missouri Care for making it possible to install a smoke detector in every house that needs one. This will save so many lives and assist in educating the community on fire safety,” said James Mehmert, Chamois fire chief. “This has been a long time dream of the firehouse, and we are thankful for the new partnership with Missouri Care that has helped make this possible. We are truly grateful for the smoke detectors and the positive effect they will have on our local families.”

To receive a smoke detector contact Community Christian Church at 573-897-3011 or leave a message with the Chamois Fire Station at 573-763-5195.