In May, American Red Cross volunteers and community partners installed more than 45,000 free smoke alarms for people in need as part of a national series of Sound the Alarm events.
During the events in more than 50 high-risk communities, Red Cross volunteers, local fire departments and other partners met with families to help make more than 20,000 households safer from home fires by installing the alarms and sharing home fire safety information. Learn more in this video.
‘I FEEL SAFER NOW WITH MY NEW ALARMS’ Emma Franklin is among residents who answered the door when a team of Red Cross volunteers and local firefighters offered to install free smoke alarms. She knows first-hand the importance of home fire safety since experiencing a fire several decades ago.
“I’m so happy for this — grateful, really,” Franklin said. “After you see one of those fires, and all your belongings burnt and being dragged out in the street, you take this seriously. I feel safer now with my new alarms.”
‘IT’S JUST VERY, VERY FULFILLING’ Each year, the month-long national Sound the Alarm effort draws thousands of people to come together for a day of giving back in their communities. Red Cross volunteer Terry Unter is among those who have returned year after year.
“It’s not only a meaningful thing for what we do for the community, but it’s just personally meaningful,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of these events, and every time, people who come as new volunteers love it and they nearly always come back. It’s just very, very fulfilling.”
OVER 1,200 LIVES SAVED AND COUNTING This national Sound the Alarm effort is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more than 1,200 lives since launching in October 2014. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org to learn more.
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.
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