Houston, July 18, 2017 — The American Red Cross is calling for 35,000 volunteers to Sound the Alarm this fall to install 100,000 free smoke alarms in more than 100 major cities across the country, helping to save lives and lessen the number of tragedies attributed to home fires. 

Sound the Alarm is part of a nationwide series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events to be held between September 23 and October 15, culminating in the Red Cross’ installation of the one-millionth free smoke alarm since its Home Fire Campaign launched in 2014. Volunteers and partners canvass high-risk neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms and help families create escape plans.

 “Every day home fires are responsible for as many as seven deaths and 36 injuries in this country. We want that number reduced and so far our Home Fire Campaign is responsible for saving 258 lives across the U.S.,” said David Brady, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of the Texas Gulf Coast. “We are grateful to have made such an impact but there is more to be done.” 

To that end, the Red Cross of Greater Houston will be participating in Sound the Alarm and seeks volunteers to help install smoke alarms on September 30 and October 14 in Southwest Houston and North Houston, respectively. 

Since 2014, Red Cross volunteers and members of more than 4,200 partner organizations have installed 886,823 smoke alarms in 10,664 cities and towns in all 50 states, serving more than 998,500 people. In the past 12 months alone, the American Red Cross of the Texas Gulf Coast has responded to 1,266 home fires and installed more than 6,000 free home smoke alarms. 

“No one should have to experience the tragedy of a home fire,” said Brady. “We hope community members will join us to Sound the Alarm throughout the Texas Gulf Coast and help save lives.” 

Volunteer to help Sound the Alarm. Save a Life.

 • Visit SoundTheAlarm.org to find events in your local community and join neighbors in going door-to-door to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms and help families create escape plans.

 • Make this life-saving campaign a group activity. Invite friends and family to register. 

Donate to help Sound the Alarm. Save a Life.

• Visit SoundTheAlarm.org to help families prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires.

• Your donation will: help educate families on fire safety; help fund the installation of free smoke alarms in high-risk neighborhoods nationwide; and provide food, comfort and aid to those who have been affected by a home fire. 

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from national partners Almost Family and Delta Air Lines. In addition, the Red Cross has received funding from FEMA through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. We are also grateful for the generous donations of Texas Gulf Coast partners Sysco Corporation and Palais Royal, part of the Stage Family.

 About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross, a United Way agency, shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.