Volunteers and members of the American Red Cross Tulsa Area Chapter, Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises and Okmulgee Emergency Management teamed up to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event on July 19.

“Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire, which is the nation’s most frequent disaster. That’s why the American Red Cross is preparing families to act quickly through our Home Fire Campaign,” said Hunter Harris, Regional Philanthropy Officer for the Red Cross serving Oklahoma. “What’s truly special about this event is it will help families and strengthen our partnerships with Okmulgee Emergency Management and Muscogee Nation.”

Together, the Red Cross, Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises (MNGE) and Okmulgee Emergency management made 116 individuals in 47 homes safer by installing 77 smoke alarms, helping residents create escape plans and offering home fire safety information.

This effort is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save at least 2,420 lives since launching in October 2014.

Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises (MNGE) employs more than 2,000 Team Members, more than 500 of which are Muscogee Nation citizens and more than 850 are Native American Tribal citizens.

"This is just one example of the generosity our team members show every day,” said MNGE CEO Pat Crofts, a member of the Red Cross Tulsa Area Chapter Board of Directors. “Whether it’s caring for a guest or giving back to the community, service is at the heart of who we are. Through volunteerism, sponsorships and partnerships, our employees go above and beyond because compassion and community are embedded in our culture and mission. At Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, we don’t just work in these communities — we are part of them.”

MNGE employees have frequently volunteered with the American Red Cross, primarily in the Tulsa Area as part of the organization's ongoing commitment to community service and public safety initiatives.

“As someone who lives and works in Okmulgee, it is a privilege to be part of this event,” said Lorinda Driskill, general manager of Duck Creek Casino. “Helping to organize our volunteers and working alongside them is just one more way we can help make Okmulgee citizens safe in their homes. Sound the Alarm is about more than installing smoke alarms. It’s about providing peace of mind and building a safer community for all generations.”

When the Red Cross reached out for 30-40 MNGE volunteers, MNGE employees more than doubled the volunteer request. Due to the overwhelming response, the Red Cross will organize another installation event. 

“Saving lives is important work, and I’m proud to see so many groups coming together so we can serve citizens throughout Okmulgee,” said Jeff Moore, Okmulgee Emergency Management Director. “I look forward to seeing what we can all accomplish as partners.”

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.

About Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises:
In addition to its flagship property, River Spirit Casino Resort, MNGE operates ten additional gaming and entertainment locations in Beggs, Holdenville, Eufaula, Bristow, Checotah, Okemah, Okmulgee and Muskogee. Two new MNGE gaming and hotel locations at Lake Eufaula and Coweta are currently under construction.