By: Nanah Kiambati, American Red Cross Volunteer

It's a Saturday morning in Aberdeen, and everyone's gearing up for a Sound the Alarm canvassing event before the actual fire alarm installations and user education event will take place the subsequent weekend. Volunteers and firefighters from the Aberdeen Fire Department are gathered, going through the to-dos for the home fire safety canvassing. On this day, Juniper Moonwood leads the charge in Aberdeen, which is part of the South Puget Sound & Olympics Chapter of the Red Cross. When I walk in, I see her passionately putting into action what she discussed in our conversation a few weeks ago as I was getting to know her and her role with the American Red Cross.

Juniper Moonwood is a dedicated and passionate person serving as an AmeriCorps Member and Disaster Preparedness & Response Coordinator at the American Red Cross Northwest Region. An alumna of the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in public health and currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree, Juniper has played a crucial role in the success of Sound the Alarm events in the South Puget Sound area.

Sound the Alarm events are the action item behind the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which aims to save lives by installing free smoke alarms in homes and educating communities about home fire safety. Juniper noted that one of the most significant challenges she faced while leading this event is the need for volunteers to help carry out the mission effectively. She emphasized that volunteers don't require prior experience or a specific background, and anyone comfortable with hands-on work or educating residents on home fire safety is welcome to join.

"A typical day for me involves strategic planning and coordination," Juniper explained. "I lead a planning committee that meets weekly to map out target areas, recruit volunteers, and organize logistics for upcoming events," she noted.

Events like the one in Aberdeen and the nearby town of Viola require thorough planning, partnerships with community stakeholders, and comprehensive volunteer training.

“It is also essential to install the smoke detectors properly and adequately train the volunteers on the right message to convey to the recipients of the smoke detectors to increase their awareness of home fire safety," she added.

However, Juniper's role extends beyond planning. She actively engages in event execution, ensuring volunteers are organized, trained, and equipped to install smoke alarms and educate homeowners on fire safety. Her collaborative approach involves working with diverse teams, including fire department officials and dedicated volunteers, to maximize community impact.

Reflecting on her journey, Juniper shared that her initial transition into the Red Cross and AmeriCorps was fueled by a passion for the importance of emergency preparedness amidst increasing challenges like the climate crisis and economic disparities. Data is crucial in identifying at-risk communities for intervention, as it guides the strategic deployment of resources like smoke alarms, which ultimately save lives and protect properties.

Juniper has a palpable and deep passion for this project, which she says stems from personal experience. "I had a childhood home fire incident that resulted from a family member smoking in bed; it was a terrifying experience; we were lucky we all survived," she says. They did not have any working smoke detectors.

Her firsthand understanding of the impact of smoke alarms and fire safety measures fuels her commitment to making homes safer and saving lives. She encourages proactive measures like regular smoke alarm maintenance and proper placement to mitigate risks effectively.

Apart from her professional endeavors, Juniper values her family and community support. She expressed gratitude for her husband's unwavering support, as he has continuously encouraged her to pursue her passion as a volunteer and contribute to the greater good while gaining valuable skills for future endeavors.

"As I continue my work, I encourage individuals and communities to join the Red Cross and volunteer at a Sound the Alarm event. My goal is to empower communities to be better prepared for emergencies by reducing the devastating impact of home fires,” she says.

Juniper Moonwood demonstrates resilience, compassion, and leadership in promoting home fire safety and disaster preparedness. She notes the transformative power of community engagement in emergency preparedness and desires to leave a lasting positive impact on the communities she serves.

Home fires claim seven lives every day, but having working smoke alarms cuts the risk of death by half. That is why the American Red Cross is rallying volunteers like Juniper to install free smoke alarms nationwide as part of the Home Fire Campaign.