There is meaning in the saying “The Power of One,” and one smoke alarm has the power to save lives. In January 2023, American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers David Brown and Mike Cassin responded to a significant housefire in Longview, Texas, where a family lost their home but escaped with their lives.

The family had just finished eating dinner and settled in the living room to watch television when a smoke alarm, installed by Red Cross volunteers, sounded. A fire had started in the bathroom, and the flames' intensity caused it to spread rapidly. After hearing the alarm, the family evacuated safely and contacted the fire department.

Red Cross volunteers were dispatched to the scene at the request of the Longview Fire Department. Cassin, a DAT lead for the East Texas Chapter of the Red Cross, and Brown arrived on the scene of the house fire soon after they got the call that night.

“If families are eligible for financial assistance, we provide immediate assistance to them,” Brown said. “If we determine a medical issue is involved with [an individual], we start the process for a duty nurse to come.”

Brown describes assessing families for any needs and how he can connect with other agencies to offer assistance outside what the Red Cross provides.

In addition to financial assistance to purchase food, clothing and essentials, Brown says a duty nurse can also ensure clients can get medications or other necessities.

Brown has been volunteering with the Red Cross for over five years. He says that he likes being able to assist those who are in need in times of disaster. Likewise, Cassin says he also has a passion for helping others in need, dating back to volunteering with his local fire department in high school.

Cassin has been with the Red Cross since retiring after 30 years of working in the oil field. Initially, he decided to volunteer with the Red Cross because he needed something to do to get him off the couch.

“I report to over 100 emergencies each year,” Cassin said.  

The Red Cross responds to over 60,000 disasters nationwide annually, most of which are home fires. Every volunteer at the Red Cross makes an impact and helps others. All it takes is the power of one. One person or action can save a life and support a community. Volunteer today.

After the firefighters contained the blaze and the smoke cleared, the severity of the fire was evident. All that remained was the scorched remnants of their home. Although devastated by the loss, the family is thankful for the smoke alarm alerting them in time to evacuate safely. That single smoke alarm that the Red Cross installed alerted and allowed the entire family to get out in time.

The Red Cross continues installing free fire alarms for those in need and educating the community members about fire safety as part of the Home Fire Campaign and Sound the Alarm events across North Texas.

Visit redcross.org/northtexas to learn more about the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign.