LAFAYETTE, La. — Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S., but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. This need is particularly urgent in South Louisiana, where fire officials have already reported more than 10 home fire fatalities in 2026. To combat this trend, the American Red Cross of Louisiana is rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms and make homes safer in Lafayette, Lemannville, and Ville Platte.
Red Cross volunteers and local partners are joining forces to install free smoke alarms as part of the national Sound the Alarm campaign. This life-saving initiative provides residents with the critical tools and fire safety education needed to protect their families when every second counts.
The upcoming events include:
After a short on-site training, volunteers will deploy into nearby neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, provide critical fire safety education, and work alongside families to develop personalized home fire escape plans.
“We’re working to keep our neighbors safe and make sure every family has the resources and support they need when a fire happens,” said Micah Nicholas, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Capital Area & West Louisiana. “Having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of fire fatalities by half. By fanning out into our neighborhoods, we are committed to making sure our neighbors are equipped with this lifesaving protection.”
These lifesaving events are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, including Acadian Companies, Gulf States Insurance Company, Atmos Energy and LUS.
Empowering Communities with Fire Safety: The Red Cross partners with local fire departments and community organizations to reduce home fire risks. During the home visits, volunteers provide:
Supporting Louisiana Families: Home fires remain the most frequent disaster response for the Red Cross in Louisiana. Last year, Red Cross teams supported hundreds of residents affected by home fires by providing immediate financial assistance, emotional support and recovery resources. Nearly five times a day, Louisiana Red Cross volunteers assist families and individuals in the aftermath of home fires, providing comfort, care, hope and assistance to those who need it most.
Join Us: Volunteers are still needed for these events. You can register to help in Lafayette at redcross.org/louisiana. For the Lemannville event, interested volunteers should contact Burk Hughes at burk.hughes@redcross.org or 504-909-1419.
No prior experience is necessary, as all volunteers receive training on-site.
Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives: Since its launch in 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has been credited with saving more than 2,200 lives nationwide. By educating families and ensuring they have working alarms, the Red Cross and its partners are working to end home fire tragedies. To learn more, visit redcross.org/homefires.
If You Need a Smoke Alarm: Louisiana residents may request a free smoke alarm by completing and submitting this form at redcross.org/louisiana. You can schedule an appointment for a free installation during these Sound the Alarm events or any time after.
Media Opportunities: Media are invited to attend. Opportunities are available for reporters and video crews to accompany teams going door-to-door, and to capture interviews, photos and b-roll. To schedule an interview in advance, contact communications manager, Shelby Wells at 985-685-0003 or via email at shelby.wells@redcross.org.
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.
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