Red Cross seeks volunteers to help install smoke alarms
Last year, Red Cross volunteers installed 7,850 free smoke alarms in households across the state. This year, volunteers are needed to install 1,400 smoke alarms during the month of March as part of the national Red Cross initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms with community and fire department partners in at-risk communities across the country, a news release says.
“Sound the Alarm is a rewarding campaign that allows our volunteers to not only install smoke alarms but also provide home fire education,” said Mark Thomas, interim chief executive officer, American Red Cross of Illinois. “In just one day, you could help save a neighbor’s life by installing smoke alarms — which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.”
To view the list of Sound the Alarm events and to register to volunteer, visit here. No prior experience is needed — training will be provided.
Because of generous donations, all services are free and available for people in need. Residents who need assistance can visit here to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation during this Red Cross Sound the Alarm event. During the 20-minute home visits, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.
This work is made possible thanks to financial donations from corporate partners State Farm, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Peoples Gas Community Fund, Hub Group, CITGO Lemont Refinery, MidAmerican Energy, and Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel, the release says.
Home fire response
During the past week, the Red Cross provided assistance to 10 people in Quincy, Hannibal, Astoria and Monmouth by supplying them with basic items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support as the families involved work through next steps after experiencing a home fire.
If you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster, call 1-800-Red Cross, the release says.
Visit here for more information, visit here. Download the free emergency app by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores. Free resources are available to help children learn what to do during a home fire and other emergencies.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross 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 the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
