By Airik Myers, Northwest Region

When a home fire breaks out, families may have only a couple of minutes to escape. Working smoke alarms can make all the difference. This spring, PEMCO Insurance deepened its long partnership with the American Red Cross by donating $20,000 worth of smoke alarms to help protect households across the Pacific Northwest.

For PEMCO, the donation reflects a prevention‑first approach to community impact and a genuine respect for the Red Cross mission. 

“PEMCO’s longtime partnership with the American Red Cross shows our commitment to prevention,” said Albery Lockhart, a PEMCO leader and Red Cross board member in the Greater Inland Northwest. “Working smoke alarms save lives, help prevent devastating losses and strengthen neighborhoods, making this an especially meaningful way to support our communities.”

Safety and prevention guide much of PEMCO’s community work. Supporting the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign fits naturally into that focus. The campaign has helped install millions of smoke alarms across the country and continues to reach families who are at higher risk for home fires.

“We partner with trusted, like‑minded organizations like the American Red Cross that are delivering proven, measurable results to reduce risk before emergencies happen,” Lockhart said. “Homes with working smoke alarms are safer homes, and safer homes contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.”

The donation will help Red Cross volunteers install alarms, talk with families about fire safety, and create escape plans that can save lives.

Impact That Reaches Families Where They Live

PEMCO hopes the alarms bring families a greater sense of security and a reminder that they are not alone. “PEMCO’s mission is to free our communities to worry less and live more,” Lockhart said. “We hope these smoke alarms provide families with greater peace of mind and protection and remind our communities that we’re with them, working alongside them to help prevent the preventable.”

Partnership as a Path to Stronger Communities

Lockhart believes collaboration is essential to meaningful safety work. “We believe we’re better together,” he said. “Partnering with organizations like the American Red Cross allows us to increase our collective impact and reach more people with critical safety resources. We’re honored to support the Red Cross mission and grateful for their leadership and expertise in keeping our Pacific Northwest communities safe.”

Service That Feels Personal

Lockhart’s connection to this work goes beyond his role at PEMCO. As a Red Cross board member, he has joined volunteers in installing alarms, teaching families about fire safety, and helping them build escape plans.

“Being a board member for the Red Cross in the Greater Inland Northwest has allowed me to give back in a way that truly matters,” he said. “Installing smoke alarms, educating families on fire safety, and helping create home escape plans are small actions that can make a life‑saving difference.”

He has even brought his daughter along to help with installations, creating a moment that stayed with him. “Watching her take pride in helping others made it a memorable and meaningful bonding experience,” he said. “Moments like that remind me why I’m passionate about serving others, and it reflects PEMCO’s mission to help our communities worry less and live more.”

Showing Up for the Region

PEMCO’s support helps ensure that families across Washington and Idaho have access to life‑saving tools and education. For both PEMCO and the Red Cross, the goal is simple: protect people before tragedy strikes.

“PEMCO is committed to prevention‑focused safety efforts that help protect people, homes, and communities,” Lockhart said. “Through long‑standing partnerships like the American Red Cross, we aim to support practical, life‑saving solutions like smoke alarms that make a real difference where people live.”

As Red Cross teams continue installing alarms and sharing fire‑safety education, PEMCO’s donation will help reach thousands of families, one home at a time.