FAIRBANKS, May 15, 2019 — This weekend, the American Red Cross of Alaska will Sound the Alarm in the Gold Rush Estates neighborhood in Fairbanks as part of the nationwide Red Cross effort to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires. The goal is to install 150 free smoke alarms alongside the University Fire Department on Saturday, May 18, 2019. 

Red Cross volunteers and firefighters with the department will canvas the neighborhood, install free 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms and help families create fire escape plans.

To schedule an appointment for free smoke alarms and installation ahead of Saturday’s event, please contact 907-456-5937 ext. 5100 or email jacob.walker@redcross.org.

Interview Availability:

To speak with a representative with the American Red Cross of Alaska serving the Far North and Interior or with the University Fire Department about the event or to ride along during the event, please call 907-782-7520 or email cari.dighton@redcross.org.

About Sound the Alarm:

Sound the Alarm events are a part of the ongoing American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. Each year the Red Cross responds to nearly 62,000 disasters, the majority of which are home fires. The Red Cross set a goal to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the U.S. by 25 percent. As of May 2019, the Red Cross and our partners across the country have saved 582 lives through the Home Fire Campaign.

Thank you to our Sound the Alarm Alaska sponsors:

·         Alaska Airlines

·         Alaska Commercial Company

·         BP Exploration Alaska

·         Denali Brewing Company

·         Doyon, Limited

·         Joanna L. Moss

·         Kinross Fort Knox Gold Mine

·         Midnight Sun Brewing Co.

·         TOTE Maritime Alaska

About the American Red Cross of Alaska:
In FY18, the American Red Cross of Alaska offered food, shelter, comfort and hope to 892 Alaskans. We responded to 308 disasters. Our preparedness/Health and Safety teams installed 2,309 smoke alarms statewide and educated 1,722 youth through The Pillowcase Project. Additionally, our Service to the Armed Forces staff exchanged 1,161 emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Alaska or visit us on Twitter at @redcrossak.

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