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Sound the Alarm

Sound the Alarm. Save a Life.

 

Thank you to the thousands of volunteers that joined us to Sound the Alarm in your community to install 100,000 free smoke alarms in at-risk communities across more than 100 cities. Together, we’re saving lives!

We are proud to announce during Sound the Alarm 2018, 31,300 volunteers registered to be part of our installation and home visit events, installed 122,259 smoke alarms and raised over $15,400,000. Thank you for your continued support of Red Cross. Join us in your local communities for events, just like this, throughout the year.

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. Together with fire departments and other community partners, Red Cross volunteers:

  • Canvass at-risk neighborhoods
  • Install free smoke alarms
  • Replace batteries in existing alarms
  • Provide fire prevention and safety education

In just three years, our home visits have accomplished so much, including the installation of more than 1 million smoke alarms and preparing more than 1 million people against home fires.

Thank you!

We are so grateful to all the volunteers and donors who made Sound the Alarm 2018 so successful. We reached our goals of installing 100,000 smoke alarms, with 28,000 volunteers and raised $15,000,000!
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Volunteer to install smoke alarms in your community.
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Fundraise to help Sound the Alarm.
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Donate to help us meet our installation goal.
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Volunteer in Your Area

Keep the momentum going! Find an installation event in your community.
Sound the Alarm - Search Tool

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    Thank You to Our National Sponsors

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find the address/times?

    You may:

    What should I wear?

    Dress comfortably – you will be on your feet walking outdoors most of the day. Listen to the weather forecast!

    What should I expect day of?

    A fun day of preparing families against home fires and making your community safer. Together, we will canvass neighborhoods, knock on doors, check smoke alarms in homes and replace if necessary, education families about home fire safety, build evacuation plans with them and document our services.

    Below are a few videos to learn more:

    May I bring other people with me?

    Absolutely! We prefer everyone to register ahead of time so we are prepared to provide an excellent volunteer experience. If you don’t have time to register ahead, that’s okay, we will have forms available onsite.

    Youth under 18 may participate but require a parental consent to participate in Sound the Alarm events. Please print out and have your parent/guardian fill out the Parental Consent form. Bring it with you to the Registration table on the day of the event. Opportunities available for youth are Documenter and Educator positions on Installation Teams.

    How do I cancel?

    We are sorry you are unable to attend. Please let your local chapter know or email SoundtheAlarmVols@redcross.org.

    Who can I contact with other questions?

    Connect with your local Red Cross for additional information about your event, our home fire campaign or other volunteer opportunities. Search for your local chapter or reference contact information within your email confirmation.

    What if there is bad weather?

    Our events will still occur. Please be prepared for all types of weather. If you must cancel, please let us know.

    Would someone please help me with my CrowdRise page?

    Yes, we are happy to help. Connect with your local chapter or send an email to STA.P2P@redcross.org.

    What info should I have received?

    You should have received event location information, training videos and contact information for your local Red Cross. If you need additional information, connect with your local chapter.

    Learn More About the Home Fire Campaign

    Donate Now to Support Home Fire Relief

    Prepare, respond and help families recover from home fires.

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