Dana Simmons, Regional Communications Manager, American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties
Home fires take seven lives a day in the U.S. but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. That’s why the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties is leading a Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation and home fire safety event on May 14 with Heartland Fire and Rescue. This event is part of a national Red Cross initiative in May to install 50,000 free smoke alarms with partners in more than 50 communities across the country.
This Sound the Alarm event is a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save at least 1,243 lives since launching in October 2014. As part of the campaign in San Diego and Imperial Counties, the Red Cross and local partners have installed more than 33,000 free smoke alarms and made more than 11,900 households safer.
“Sound the Alarm is a meaningful way to be a part of a larger movement while directly helping local families,” said Melissa Altman, Red Cross Southern California Region Preparedness Manager. “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.”
How can you get involved?
Volunteer - People can register to volunteer at SoundTheAlarm.org/SoCal to install free smoke alarms and share fire safety information with residents during a local Sound the Alarm event in El Cajon on Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No prior experience is needed. Training will be provided before volunteer teams canvass neighborhoods and visit area homes.
Schedule an appointment - Residents in El Cajon and across San Diego County who need assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/SoCal to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation anytime. During the 20-minute home visits, Red Cross volunteers and community partners 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.
Join us for a rewarding day at a Sound the Alarm event near you!
Don't Forget These 2 Simple Steps to Help Keep Your Family Safe.
1. Practice a 2-minute fire drill
Use our worksheet to draw your home’s floor plan and plot your escape routes.
Practice your 2-minute drill (from home to a safe meeting place) at least twice a year.
Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home.
In a real fire, remember to get out, stay out and call 911. Never go back inside for people, pets, or things.
2. Test your smoke alarms monthly
Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
You should hear three beeps, letting you know the alarm is working.
Don't hear the beeps? Then it's time to change the batteries, if your model requires them.
If your smoke alarm is 10 years old, it's time to get a new alarm because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time.
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