MARCH 28, 2024 — The American Red Cross Northwest Region is seeking volunteers to help install free smoke alarms for local families during a Sound the Alarm home fire safety event in Tulalip, Aberdeen, Wenatchee and Federal Way this April. 

“Sound the Alarm is a rewarding way to give back and directly help local families,” said Megan Dulgar, Northwest Region CEO. “It’s a day of coming together to support one another, especially those most vulnerable to home fires. A working smoking alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy. As a community, we can help our neighbors stay safe by ensuring they have these lifesaving devices.”

Those interested can register now at redcross.org/northwest to volunteer during the Red Cross Sound the Alarm events throughout April. No prior experience is needed. Training will be provided day of. With the help of Red Cross teams and local partners volunteers will visit area homes to install smoke alarms and share fire safety information during.

DONATIONS HELP PROVIDE FREE SERVICES Because of generous donations, all services are free and available for people in need. Can’t join the event? Donate to the Red Cross at redcross.org/northwest 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.

IF YOU NEED A SMOKE ALARM Residents who need assistance can visit redcross.org/northwest to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation year-round. During these 20-minute 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.

2,060 LIVES SAVED AND COUNTING This Sound the Alarm event is a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save 2,060 lives since launching in October 2014. Locally during this time, the Northwest Region and local partners have installed nearly 48,000 free smoke alarms and made 16,400 households safer.

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from regional partners: GESA Credit Union, Grays Harbor Community Foundation and Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS).

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.