Every day, seven people die in home fires, most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Sadly, children and the elderly disproportionately lose their lives. The American Red Cross wants to improve the odds and save lives, that’s why we launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014.
A critical part of the campaign is Sound the Alarm, a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events across the country. Red Cross volunteers, along with fire departments and other partners canvass at-risk neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms, replacing batteries in existing alarms, and providing fire prevention and safety education. In just three years, we’ve accomplished so much, including the installation of more than 1 million smoke alarms and prepared more than 1 million people against home fires through our home visits.
Volunteer Opportunities Listed Below
Start a Fundraiser - See Opportunites Below
Installed 10,275 smoke alarms
Made more than 3,163 escape plans
Replaced aproximately 667 smoke alarm batteries
Reached thousands of youth with preparedness information
On October 24, 18 Red Cross volunteers and firefighters dispersed in three Kent communities to install smoke alarms, replace batteries and raise home fire safety awareness. The work was important for the community, and rewarding for the teams. “It was fun to see how much everyone enjoyed the work,” said AmeriCorps member Kayla Ihrig. “Instead of leaving early at the end of the day, people were playing games with the kids that came out to see the fire trucks. It was a great show of community.” The teams installed 179 alarms, many in homes otherwise had none. “We were surprised to find in one residential establishment, every home was without a working alarm,” said Allison Dedonato, Regional Preparedness Manager. “It was a real eye-opener.”
Canvass neighborhoods, install smoke alarms, and help residents make safety plans.
Prepare, respond and help families recover from home fires.
Prepare, respond and help families recover from home fires.