Volunteer Rebecca De Graaf meets neighbors where they are—offering free smoke alarm appointments and vital home fire education. Her steady leadership help more families gain lifesaving tools and preparedness support, strengthening community safety across West LA.
Ny'Jay Poston/American Red Cross
As the West Los Angeles Chapter’s Hotshot Lead for the Sound the Alarm program, Rebecca De Graaf plays a key role in advancing the mission of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region—making families safer, one household at a time. Sound the Alarm, part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, relies on Hotshots who go door-to-door to sign up residents for free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education. Rebecca approaches this lifesaving work with enthusiasm, compassion and a deep commitment to community preparedness.
In recent months, Rebecca has organized and led multiple Hotshot events, including her most recent effort, which made more than 46 people safer. Many of the residents she meets face financial or personal challenges that make it difficult to access working smoke alarms or emergency preparedness information. By showing up with a smile, a listening ear and lifesaving resources, Rebecca helps bridge that gap.
“I feel honored to serve in this role,” Rebecca shared. “Hotshots are an opportunity for us to enable people in their homes to feel safer and to be better prepared in times of home evacuation and emergencies. It's truly enjoyable being part of the Home Fire Safety Campaign and working with the Preparedness community in the Red Cross. Every week I am actively reaching out to those in our zoning who have requested fire safety assistance so that together with the Red Cross and our volunteers we can make a hands-on impact in our neighborhoods.”
Rebecca’s dedication to preparedness is rooted in her long history of service with the Red Cross. She joined the organization in 2011, beginning with preparedness fairs. She was inspired to become more educated about what to do in emergencies and natural disasters—and then to help others learn the same. Since then, she has supported a wide range of Red Cross activities, from fundraising and event organizing to assisting the disaster service teams in shelters. Each role, she says, has been equally meaningful in its own way.
“When people are in need, the Red Cross is often the first helping hands on the ground to be found. That is an amazing attribute, and one of the many reasons why it is a privilege to be part of this organization,” Rebecca said.
Rebecca often reflects on a favorite reminder from Mother Teresa: “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” She believes the Red Cross embodies that spirit through the unconditional kindness of its volunteers, something she says is “beautiful” to witness.
With her hopeful, “here to help” mindset, Rebecca embodies the Red Cross mission. Her leadership ensures that more families in West LA are informed, prepared and protected, proving that a single volunteer can truly make a powerful difference.
You can help protect people from home fires, too. Volunteer to install free smoke alarms at redcross.org/lahomefire.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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