T’is the season for colder temperatures, home heating, lots of home cooking, and unfortunately - an increase in home fires. This year, the Red Cross of Central and Southeastern Washington, Kennewick Fire Department and a local home fire survivor, are sharing thanks for the life-saving power of smoke alarms.

“When I woke up and realized my house was full of smoke, I’ve never been more afraid in my life,” said Kristin Myers of Kennewick, Washington. "It was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever gone through." 

Myers fell asleep watching TV on her couch the evening of October 21, 2025. Around 3:00 a.m., she started hearing beeps, smelled smoke, and felt her dog, Shasta, trying to get her attention.

“If I would not have had those fire alarms to get me up, I would have slept through it and I wouldn’t be here today,” Myers said.

Those fire alarms were installed just two years ago, during a Sound the Alarm event hosted by the Red Cross and Kennewick Fire Department. Four Red Cross volunteers knocked on her door and asked if she had working smoke alarms. When she said no, they installed four of them, free of charge. Read Kristin’s full story.

“Home fires are a constant threat, accounting for the majority of disaster responses,” said Michele Roth, Red Cross executive director. “Sound the Alarm events are an incredible gift to this community. Kristin’s story is a reminder of why our Home Fire Campaign is so important. We are helping save lives and protecting those most vulnerable.”

The city of Kennewick sees tremendous value in its Sound the Alarm partnership with the Red Cross, and encourages the use of smoke alarms in the sleeping spaces of each home.

"In the event of a home fire, every second counts,” said Kennewick Fire Chief Michael Heffner. “That's why we ask every homeowner to take the life-saving step of installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside all sleeping areas, and on every level of the home, including the basement. The Kennewick Fire Department is grateful for its critical partnership with the American Red Cross, which allows us to install free smoke alarms."

How to support the Home Fire Campaign

The Tri-Cities community and beyond is invited to support the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign this Thanksgiving Day. The Run for the Red Turkey Trot presented by Gesa Credit Union will be held Thursday, November 27th, at Columbia Park in Kennewick. All proceeds from Turkey Trot support the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. Link to register for Run for the Red. 

Whether a single home has burned, or an entire town has been decimated, disaster survivors know they can turn to the Red Cross for care and comfort. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Gesa Credit Union;
also, Bechtel, Lamb Weston and Tree Top, Benton PUD, CO Energy, Europa Italian & Spanish Cuisine, Idaho Central Credit Union, Molina Healthcare,
Mustang Signs, Northwest Grain Growers Association, Stoneway Electric and VEOLIA. 

Practice safety this Thanksgiving

As a friendly reminder, Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone’s home. Cooking
causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States. The
Red Cross encourages everyone to be thoughtful and save while preparing their family’s Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving safety tips.

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 follow us on social media.

About the city of Kennewick

Kennewick is the largest city in the Tri-Cities region of Washington, known for its vibrant community and thriving economy. With a commitment to enhancing the
quality of life for its residents, Kennewick continues to focus on sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and fostering a strong sense of community. Learn more at go2kennewick.com.