Home fires claim seven lives each day in the United States, yet having a working smoke alarm can cut the risk of death by half.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the American Red Cross in Rhode Island and the City of Providence will come together once again to inspire safer, more resilient neighborhoods through a Sound the Alarm home fire safety event. Teams of trained volunteers will canvass Providence neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms and help families develop customized, two minute escape plans.

The Red Cross recently surpassed a major milestone, installing more than 10,000 smoke alarms across Rhode Island. This achievement — made possible through the commitment of volunteers and partners — has helped make over 3,500 households safer and provided nearly 9,400 residents with essential home fire preparedness support.

REQUEST A HOME FIRE SAFETY VISIT Providence residents who need assistance are encouraged to register now for a free home fire safety visit. Volunteers will check existing alarms, install new ones if necessary, and talk with families about simple steps to stay safe.

• WHEN: Wednesday, April 8, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Register: Visit redcross.org/riprepare or call 877-287-3327 (option 3) to schedule an appointment.

“A working smoke alarm can save your life, and ensuring families have one is at the heart of this campaign,” said Susan Roberts, Executive Director, American Red Cross Rhode Island. “Our long-standing collaboration with the City of Providence and partners statewide has enabled us to reach thousands of people with vital home fire safety education. Reaching the 10,000 alarm milestone shows the incredible impact we can make when we come together to keep our communities safe.”

“Keeping Providence residents safe is one of our highest priorities, and simple steps like installing working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference,” said Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “I’m grateful for our continued partnership with the American Red Cross and the dedication of volunteers who are helping protect families across our city. I encourage all Providence residents to take advantage of this free opportunity to make their homes safer.”

“Home fires can spread in a matter of minutes, which is why early warning from a working smoke alarm is critical,” said Providence Fire Department Chief Derek Silva. “Events like Sound the Alarm help ensure our residents are prepared, not just with alarms, but with a clear escape plan. We’re proud to work alongside the Red Cross to reduce fire risk and keep our communities safe.”

RED CROSS VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE Community members are invited to attend a Red Cross open house on April 8 at the Providence Office, located at 100 Niantic Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon. Guests can stop by to meet local Red Crossers, tour the office, and learn how to get involved. Those interested in joining our team can sign up to become a volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS This work is made possible through generous financial donations from our Disaster Responder partners: Avangrid Foundation and Stanley Black & Decker, and our Home Fire and Sound the Alarm partners: Amica Insurance; Dunkin’ - Dan’s Management Company; Edgewell Personal Care; ESPN; General Dynamics Electric Boat; NSSF; Robinson+Cole; and The Hartford.

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.