American Red Cross of Utah volunteers and firefighters team up to install free smoke alarms on April 20

Register for a free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah

The American Red Cross of Utah and West Valley City Fire Department will team up with volunteers on Saturday, April 20, to install free smoke alarms in area homes. This initiative aims to provide residents with essential fire safety equipment and information that could prove lifesaving during a home fire.

Firefighters and volunteers will start the event at 9 a.m. at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, located at 1155 W. 3100 S., West Valley City. “Our goal is to save lives,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “We know having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of fire fatalities by half. That’s why we are committed to ensuring every home in West Valley City has working smoke alarms.”

The Red Cross of Utah “Sound the Alarm” event has been made possible through partnerships with West Valley City Fire Department, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Wells Fargo, Rocky Mountain Power, Sizzling Platter and dedicated volunteers.

Empowering communities with fire safety

In response to the ongoing threat of home fires, the Red Cross of Utah continues working with community partners to provide free smoke alarms and fire safety education. “We’re equipping families with the knowledge they need to evacuate safely in case of a home fire,” Lafranca said.

Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. During the home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners will share information on home fires, fire prevention strategies, actions to take during a fire and guidance creating evacuation plans for all occupants, including pets.

Last year, Red Cross of Utah volunteers and staff responded to over 250 home fires and helped more than 800 people, offering support and access to community resources. “Every day in the U.S, seven people lose their lives in home fires, often in homes without working smoke alarms,” Lafrance said. “Hearing a smoke alarm increases the likelihood of escaping safely during a home fire.”

Support your neighbors

Volunteers are always needed to help install smoke alarms and share fire safety information with families. No prior experience is needed – training is provided. Those interested can register at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. Financial donations are also accepted to help members of the community prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires. Go to redcross.org/donate to give.

Home fire campaign saves lives

Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save over 2,000 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.