If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install a smoke alarm, the Red Cross may be able to help.
(Para español, visite ActivaTuAlarma.org)
That’s why the American Red Cross is rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms nationwide, as part of our Sound the Alarm events.
This year we’ll install free smoke alarms, create escape plans and share fire safety information.
Join us for a rewarding day at a Sound the Alarm event near you. Make an even greater impact and donate to help families prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires.
Volunteer to help families affected by home fires. *Not available in all locations.
Donate to support Home Fire Relief and help save lives.
Smoke alarms installed: over 46,700
Homes made safer: over 17,000
People reached: over 43,000
Katryna Hunt had a bad feeling the morning of September 20, 2021 in Minot, North Dakota, but she left for work early anyway to make sure she was on time.
Her fiancé TJ had just gotten home from his night shift and headed to bed. Soon after, the blaring sound of smoke alarms woke him. Maybe, he thought, their roommate Nick was cooking, but then he saw the smoke and flames.
Fortunately, TJ, Nick, her 11-year-old cat Precious and their pet lizard had safely evacuated with a few valuables.
Soon the Red Cross was on scene offering comfort and disaster assistance, including financial support, comfort kits, cleaning items and help finding immediate shelter. Red Cross assistance helped cover a two-week hotel stay that allowed for Precious to be with her.
Katryna feels lucky and hopes that her story helps raise awareness of the need for working smoke alarms. “Home fires can happen to anyone, anytime – having working smoke alarms is an easy thing we can all do to avoid the unthinkable.”
Click here to read more about "What's Truly Precious" on our regional blog.
Photo courtesy of Katryna Hunt
Engage your organization to help implement fire safety programs in your community.
Prepare, respond and help families recover from home fires.