In 2014, the Red Cross launched Sound the Alarm. To date, there have been 2,413,956 smoke alarms installed by volunteers. The goal of this program is to install free smoke alarms and provide education to communities across the country.

On average, seven people die from a home fire each day, but having a working smoke alarm can cut that number in half. Engaged Cities of Service and the Collegiate Service Leadership Council worked with the American Red Cross, AmeriCorps members, and local fire departments to implement the Engage Arkansas Smoke Alarm Install. This event occurred in Pine Bluff, Altheimer, Little Rock, Jacksonville, Cabot, Scott, Maumelle, Conway, and Hot Springs during the 9/11 Day of Service. The volunteers teamed up to canvas door to door using heat maps to identify homes that may need new smoke alarms.

There was a focus on seniors, veterans, first-responders, and at-risk community members. The teams provided education materials on home fire safety, tested existing smoke alarms, and installed new free smoke alarms that will last ten years.

More than 100 volunteers visited over 700 homes during this event! Starr Crow, the Civic Engagement Manager with Engage Arkansas, was able to team up with Red Cross volunteers, Southern Arkansas AmeriCorps members, and local firefighters to install smoke alarms at various locations, including The Caring Place. The Caring Place is in Magnolia, AR, and provides care to older adults with dementia.

“I doubt those community members will soon forget that their fire team cared enough to come in and hand check the smoke alarms in their homes,” said Starr Crow, Engage Arkansas Outreach and Events Coordinator.

Sound the Alarm is a great reminder to test your smoke alarm monthly, if you do not hear three beeps or the smoke alarm is older than ten years, it is time for a replacement. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, inside the bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.

Individuals can visit SoundTheAlarm.org to learn more about the program and sign up to be a part of a Sound the Alarm event in their local area.