They included:ĭuring these events, volunteers met with local families to install free smoke alarms, helped them create a two-minute fire escape plan and shared safety information on home fires and other local disaster risks. From April 22 to May 12 staff and volunteers in northern Ohio, in partnership with local fire departments, held Sound the Alarm events in 11 communities across the region. In Northern Ohio, the Red Cross responds to more than three home fires, on average, every 24 hours.Īs part of the national Sound the Alarm campaign, Red Cross staff, volunteers and community partners set aside specific weeks throughout the year to focus on educating residents about home fire safety and installing free smoke alarms where they are needed.

Home fires are the most frequent disaster in the country, claiming seven lives every day in the U.S.

But it’s not the large-scale disasters that keep Red Cross volunteers busy day in and day out. Trees uprooted and tossed aside, homes with missing roofs or destroyed by floodwaters. News 8 is a proud media sponsor of the Sound the Alarm Campaign.When people think of the American Red Cross responding to disasters, they often imagine the aftermath of a massive hurricane or deadly tornado. The New Haven Fire Department is also asking that you put red lights on your porches and in your windows to show your support for your local firefighters. This event is also raising awareness about the sacrifices made by firefighters when they put their lives on the line to rescue people from dangerous fires. “We want to be able to get out into even more neighborhoods, some high-risk neighborhoods, because we know the need is great here in New Haven,” said Becky Johnson, the regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Volunteers and community partners will install the alarms during for free during an event on May 20. New Haven leaders and News 8 are teaming up with the American Red Cross for its Sound the Alarm Campaign to install smoke detectors in New Haven homes - at no cost. (WTNH) - House and apartment fires continue to impact community members across the state but there are steps you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and firefighters.

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