The American Red Cross, in collaboration with NorthPoint Health & Wellness, and the Minneapolis Fire Department, is announcing a Sound the Alarm home fire safety initiative in North Minneapolis. On Saturday, May 4, teams will install free smoke alarms for residents, enhancing safety and potentially saving lives.
"A working smoke alarm can make all the difference between survival and tragedy. As a community, we can help our neighbors stay safe by providing these essential devices," said Brice Johnson, Chief Executive Officer for the Minnesota and Dakotas Region of the American Red Cross. “Every day, seven lives are lost to home fires, making functional smoke alarms crucial for people to evacuate to safety.”
Kimberly Spates, Chief Operating Officer for NorthPoint Health & Wellness, added, "Partnering to create healthier communities is our mission. We are proud to be coming together with the Red Cross, Minneapolis Fire Department, and our Northside community partners, to support one another, particularly those most at risk for home fires.”
"The Minneapolis Fire Department work extends beyond extinguishing flames; it's about safeguarding lives and homes,” said Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner. “Side-by-side with the Red Cross, NorthPoint Health & Wellness, and our community partners, we’re ensuring that families are equipped with the knowledge and tools to prevent fires and respond effectively. Together, we create a shield of protection, one home at a time."
IF YOU NEED A SMOKE ALARM Northside residents who need a smoke alarm can call or text 612-440-9611 or visit SoundTheAlarm.org/MNDAKS to schedule an appointment for a fire safety home visit and free smoke alarm installation.
During the short Sound the Alarm home visits, teams of Red Cross volunteers and partners will install smoke alarms but also share vital information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them and what to do if a fire starts. Teams will also help families create personalized escape plans to ensure that residents can safely exit their homes within two minutes during an emergency.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are needed on May 4 during the first shift from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and especially during the second shift from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. No prior experience necessary, training will be provided. For more information and to sign up, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/MNDAKS.
About the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign
The Sound the Alarm events are part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which aims to reduce fatalities from home fires. Since its inception in October 2014, the campaign has saved over 2,100 lives across the country by installing working smoke alarms. Over this period, over 61,000 smoke alarms have been installed across the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, helping make 53,000 individuals safer against the threat of home fires.
This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from our 2024 national partner State Farm and our regional sponsors, including Scheels, Ames, Border, Sanford, and Uponor.
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