Media Contacts:
Delia Krippelz | 512-202-8542 | Delia.krippelz@redcross.org
Betsy Calderon | 726-225-9044 | Betsy.calderon@redcross.org
San Antonio, TX, February 12, 2025 — The American Red Cross serving Greater San Antonio, in partnership with local fire departments and community organizations, will install free smoke alarms in Balcones Heights and surrounding areas during the Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation event on Saturday, March 1. This initiative is part of the Red Cross’s broader Ready Communities pilot program, which focuses on increasing emergency preparedness and resilience in high-risk communities.
In addition to the smoke alarm installations, the Red Cross and its community partners will host a free resource fair at Methodist TexSan Hospital, featuring more than 20 organizations providing critical services such as food assistance, energy bill support, health screenings, and more. The resource fair is open to anyone in the greater San Antonio area, regardless of residence.
“A working smoke alarm can mean the difference between survival and tragedy when a home fire strikes,” said Dr. Daniel P. Martinez, Executive Director of the Red Cross Greater San Antonio Chapter. “That is why we are installing smoke alarms in high-risk communities across San Antonio and Balcones Heights. At the same time, home fire safety is just one component of building a resilient community. Through our Ready Communities approach, we are bringing together key partners to provide access to essential resources that support overall community preparedness. We encourage everyone to attend the resource fair, whether they need assistance or simply want to learn more about being prepared.”
HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN AND SOUND THE ALARM INITIATIVE
Home fires claim seven lives every day in the United States, most often in homes without working smoke alarms. To address this risk, the Red Cross partners with local organizations to install free smoke alarms and help families develop home fire escape plans as part of its Home Fire Campaign.
Since launching the campaign in 2014, the Red Cross and its partners have helped save over 2,000 lives nationwide by educating families, installing smoke alarms, and assisting with escape planning.
During this event, trained volunteers will install smoke alarms, teach residents about fire prevention, and help families develop emergency escape plans.
Free Community Resource Fair – Open to the Public
In addition to the smoke alarm installations, the Red Cross and community partners will host a free community resource fair at Methodist TexSan Hospital. More than 20 organizations will be on-site, providing services including:
This fair is open to all San Antonio/Bexar County residents, regardless of where they live.
How to Get Involved
Event Details
WHAT: Sound the Alarm kickoff, including remarks from Dr. Daniel P. Martinez, Executive Director, followed by volunteer training and smoke alarm installations.
WHERE: St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, 700 Dewhurst Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78213
WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHO: American Red Cross Greater San Antonio Chapter, volunteers and community partners
VISUALS: Opportunities for photos and b-roll of kickoff remarks, volunteer training and volunteers installing smoke alarms
Free Community Resource Fair
WHAT: A free resource fair offering assistance from more than 20 local organizations, including food, healthcare, free education registration for Alamo Colleges, work assistance, and energy assistance.
WHERE: Methodist TexSan Hospital, 6700 IH-10, San Antonio, TX 78201
WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHO: Open to all San Antonio residents, no residency restrictions
Support for This Initiative
This initiative is made possible through the generous support of our national partners, including State Farm and FEMA, as well as regional partners such as USAA, H-E-B, Greehey Family Foundation, CPS Energy, Valero, City of Balcones Heights, Bexar County and Broadway Bank.
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 social media at @RedCross.
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