Odessa, TX, Nov. 7, 2023 — On November 18, volunteers and members of the American Red Cross Permian Basin Chapter and Meals on Wheels of Odessa will team up to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event in Odessa. This effort is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save at least 1,969 lives since launching in October 2014.

“We are excited to partner with Meals on Wheels to provide much-needed smoke alarms to at-risk communities. Our Sound the Alarm events directly help local families by installing free smoke alarms – which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half,” said Tracy Austin, Executive Director for the Permian Basin Chapter. “Our goal is to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires – which account for most of the U.S. disasters that the Red Cross responds to every eight minutes.”

During the home visits, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.

WHAT: Sound the Alarm kickoff with remarks from Tracy Austin, Executive Director, American Red Cross serving the Permian Basin.

WHERE: Meals on Wheels of Odessa Office, 1314 E Fifth St, Odessa, TX 79761

WHEN: Saturday, November 18, 8 am – 2 pm

WHO: American Red Cross Permian Basin Chapter and Meals on Wheels of Odessa

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.