By: Michael Bowman, American Red Cross

Local businesses, organizations, area high school students, and the Blytheville Fire Department joined forces with the American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas to install smoke alarms at Westminster Village in Blytheville, Arkansas. Volunteers went door-to-door in the small neighborhood, installing smoke alarms and educating residents about home fire safety.

Early detection of smoke, combined with an escape plan, can significantly increase the chances of surviving a home fire. For communities like Westminster Village, which is home for many senior residents, but also accommodates younger individuals and families with small children, a smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death.

“You got a lot of elderly out here,” said James Phelps of the Blytheville Fire Department. “It may take them a little bit longer to get that warning or get to a door. We want to give them every chance they have to get out and get to safety.”

The majority of volunteers came from Blytheville and Gosnell High School, who helped with paperwork, provided information about fire safety, and shared a friendly smile with residents. The interaction between these students and the people of Westminster Village highlighted the commitment young people have toward improving their community.

“This generation is actually very committed to volunteerism,” said Matt Henry, Community Adaptation Program Manager for Missouri and Arkansas region of the Red Cross. “They’ve been great, and the residents really enjoyed meeting with them and talking to them.”

The theme of community improvement and helping others was evident among all the volunteers in Sound the Alarm.  Michael Garrett of Nucor-Yamato Steel explained why so many people and organizations joined to help the residents of Westminster Village.  “I think it’s important for all of us to help one another and do what we can to give back and share and help other people out as much as we can.”

The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign harnessed the power of the community to provide smoke alarms and share life-saving information with residents. The event at Westminster Village was an opportunity for volunteers from different backgrounds, ages, and occupations to unite in a common cause: to protect the people in their community and foster connections with their neighbors.

“That’s really what we want these events to be,” said Matt Henry. “The more we can get people involved in these efforts, the wider the message gets out to folks on how to prepare for and respond to disasters. We want to look like the community we serve.  And that’s very important to us at the American Red Cross.”

To learn more about the Home Fire campaign or to request a smoke alarm, please visit Red Cross of Arkansas Home Fire Campaign.