Every Red Cross Home Fire Campaign may be aligned with the same goal: to make communities safer. But it’s the unique connections and relationships that make each one feel so special.

For David and his wife, there’s a sense of security and peace of mind when Red Cross volunteers and firefighters with the Indianapolis Fire Department walk through his door to install smoke detectors.

“Our health has diminished greatly,” David said. “My wife is bedridden and it’s a concern. We know we’ve had some issues with our existing fire alarms that were originally installed in the house. She did some research, found about the program and made the call.”

David said it can be scary to see just how much damage and devastation a fire can cause. As the two enjoy retired life and his wife recovers from a recent surgery, David said new smoke detectors will allow for a better response time in the event of a home fire.

“It’s just important,” he said. “It makes you sleep better at night.”

Tony also welcomed volunteers and firefighters into his home. After working for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and volunteering as a firefighter many years ago, he knows firsthand how dangerous fires can be.

“I’ve seen what it can do to people and what it can do to property,” Tony said. “So I do take it seriously.”

As some residents shared smiles and laughs while teams installed smoke alarms in their homes, others shed a tear. That was the case for Judith, who recently lost her daughter. It felt reassuring to have new safety equipment installed inside of her house.

“I feel safe,” Judith said as she wiped a tear from her eye.

The experience meant just as much to those who went from house to house installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Ivory Salmon, Board Chair of the Greater Indy Chapter, said it was an eye-opening experience attending her first installation event.

“The experience was transformational,” Salmon said. “It was really rewarding getting out in the community.”

Rory Priest, the Senior Public Educator with IFD, echoed similar thoughts about giving back to the community.

“It makes me feel good,” Priest said. “It makes me feel fulfilled.”

As of Wednesday, Oct. 14, Red Cross volunteers and firefighters with IFD had installed 275 smoke alarms and 36 carbon monoxide detectors. The teams also helped educated 179 people across 74 Indianapolis households.

Priest said none of it could be done without such a valuable partnership.

“I think our missions align,” he said. “The Red Cross has manpower, it has people. And IFD could always use extra support. And it’s just great for the community when you have two organizations working together.”

Salmon also shared her appreciation for IFD’s continued support.

“Gratitude is the word that comes to mind,” she said. “Just really grateful for this partnership and the ability to be able to work alongside these great men and women who serve our city every day.”

To learn more about Red Cross smoke alarm installations, you can click here.