SPARTANBURG, S.C., April 14, 2023 — Home fires are the most common disaster in our state. Already in 2023, the American Red Cross of South Carolina has responded to 142 home fires in the Upstate, assisting 467 people. That’s why the Red Cross and community partners, including South Carolina State Fire, are working together to make homes safer through the Home Fire Campaign. Volunteers are needed to help “Sound the Alarm” in Spartanburg County on Saturday, April 22.  

Since launching in October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has saved at least 106 lives in South Carolina, including 10 in Spartanburg County. Home fires claim seven lives every day in the US. These tragedies most often occur in homes without working smoke alarms, which can cut the risk of death from a home fire in half. 

"We are proud of our incredible work alongside Fire Safe SC, local fire departments, and community partners to help save lives by providing free smoke alarms in South Carolina as part of the national Home Fire Campaign," said Rod Tolbert, CEO of the American Red Cross of South Carolina. "This amazing effort is made possible by every volunteer, donor, and supporter who has stepped up to care for vulnerable families in our state."

Because home fires remain a daily threat and the campaign has made a lifesaving difference, the Red Cross has set an ambitious goal to install 850 smoke alarms throughout Spartanburg County during the Sound the Alarm event. To meet this goal and help save lives in the Upstate, many volunteers are needed. No prior experience is needed, and training will be provided before volunteer teams visit area homes to install smoke alarms and share fire safety information. Sign up to volunteer at SoundtheAlarm.org/Upstate.

MAKE YOU FAMILY SAFER You can also help your family by testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan. Additional safety tips are available at redcross.org/fire and on the free Red Cross Emergency app (search "American Red Cross" in mobile app stores).

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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