By Kylie Kline, American Red Cross

In the aftermath of a fatal home fire on Feb. 3, I joined fellow American Red Cross volunteers and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for a community walk aimed at helping prevent another tragedy. Home fires can spread in as little as two minutes, and having working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan can cut the risk of dying in a fire by half. As a Red Cross intern, I had heard stories and participated in a Sound the Alarm event before, but this experience gave me a new perspective on community service and the people dedicated to protecting Jacksonville.

We canvassed the neighborhood where the fire occurred, going door-to-door to check whether residents had working smoke alarms. The goal was simple: help families be prepared in the event of a fire emergency. But as the day went on, I realized there was something more meaningful happening.

I was surprised by how welcoming residents were. Many invited us into their homes, openly discussing their fire safety preparedness. Some shared that they had not checked their smoke alarms in years, while others admitted they did not have any at all. Each conversation reinforced the importance of the work we were doing.

I also had the opportunity to work alongside several Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department firefighters. Through conversations and observations, my perception of the profession changed. It was clear that these firefighters were not there simply because it was their job—they were there because they genuinely cared about the people they serve. Their willingness to spend time in the community, answer questions and help families stay safe left a lasting impression on me.

By the end of the community walk, 120 smoke alarms had been installed. More importantly, countless families were better prepared to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Participating in this event taught me that being a Red Cross intern is about much more than gaining experience in my chosen field. It is about witnessing firsthand the power of compassion, service and community partnership. Seeing volunteers and firefighters come together to help neighbors stay safe showed me what true selflessness looks like—and inspired me to carry that spirit of service forward in my own life.