Media contact: Kirsten Stuart
Communications and Public Affairs Associate
kirsten.stuart@redcross.org | 775-741-7906
What: South Ogden community smoke alarm installation
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: 5460 South 875 East South Ogden, Utah
Who: American Red Cross of Northern Utah & South Ogden Fire Department
SOUTH OGDEN, Utah (Dec. 8, 2023) — In an effort to prevent home fire tragedies, the American Red Cross of Northern Utah is teaming up with the South Ogden Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 9 to install free smoke alarms in 180 homes and provide fire safety information to residents.
The media are welcome to attend the event and come with firefighters and Red Cross volunteers into the homes.
“Preventing human suffering is at the core of the Red Cross's mission and our smoke alarm installation initiative plays a critical role in achieving that,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming Chapter. “Our partnership with the South Ogden Fire Department is crucial to helping keep our community safe. This event holds the promise of making an even more significant difference in community safety.”
Free smoke alarm program
South Ogden firefighters have installed more than 60 free smoke alarms prior to Saturday’s event. So far this year, Red Cross of Utah volunteers and partners have installed over 400 smoke alarms.
“We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross for this event to make our community homes safer,” said Cameron West, South Ogden City Fire Chief. “We wanted to find ways to help our residents be prepared in the event of a home fire and this partnership with the American Red Cross gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and creating an escape plan.
Volunteers are always needed to help install smoke alarms and share fire safety information with families. No prior experience is needed – training is provided. Those interested can register at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. Financial donations are also accepted to help members of the community prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires. Go to redcross.org/donate to give.
Home fire campaign saves lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save over 2,000 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S., most often in homes without working smoke alarms.
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.
