GOLD STAR CHILI AND THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TEAM UP WITH THE

CINCINNATI FIRE DIVISION TO KICK OFF SAFE SUMMER NIGHTS

-- Smoke alarms, fresh batteries distributed to Cincinnati neighborhoods --

CINCINNATI, Ohio - (May 15, 2002) - The Cincinnati Fire Division is teaming up again this year with Gold Star Chili and the Cincinnati area chapter of the American Red Cross to kick-off Safe Summer Nights this week.

Initiated by the Cincinnati Fire Division, Safe Summer Nights targets low and fixed-income homes in the city of Cincinnati, especially residents under the age of 10 and over 65 and those who are hearing impaired. Safe Summer Nights will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. from this week until Sept. 26, 2002. The Cincinnati Fire Division will issue a media release each Monday night listing the neighborhoods in which fire companies will be distributing smoke alarms and batteries.

On each of these nights Cincinnati firefighters will be out in selected neighborhoods to inspect, install and discuss the value of smoke alarms and fire safety education. About 3,000 to 3,500 smoke alarms, including ones for the hearing impaired, and 1,000 carbon monoxide alarms, distributed on a case-by-case basis, will be provided by the Red Cross. Gold Star Chili, which has participated in the program since 1995, has donated 1,500 fresh batteries.

During the Safe Summer Nights Program 2001, Cincinnati Fire Companies visited over 6,000 homes and installed 2,933 smoke detectors, and replaced 1,189 batteries in smoke detectors.

The program will also target smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Smoke alarms continually monitor the air 24 hours a day and after 10 years, the components become less reliable and are more likely to fail.

"Gold Star Chili is proud to participate in and support Safe Summer Nights," said John Sullivan, chief executive officer of Gold Star Chili. "Last year, there were seven deaths in the city of Cincinnati. More than ever before fire safety and education is critical and we commend the Cincinnati Fire Division for their initiative and leadership in making homes safe and protecting residents from fire."

Since April of 1988, all buildings in the city of Cincinnati must have working smoke alarms. All residential buildings must have smoke alarms installed outside of sleeping areas and on every level, such as basements, cellars and finished attics. Apartment owners are required to provide smoke alarms for their tenants.

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Established in 1965, Gold Star Chili has more than 100 restaurants located throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and supports the Cincinnati Fire Division and its fire safety initiatives throughout the year. For more information about Gold Star Chili and fire safety activities, please log onto www.goldstarchili.com.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

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