Red Cross Sounds the Alarm for Smoke Detectors

On April 28, Red Cross volunteers aim to install 1,000 smoke detectors in New Haven. Visit soundthealarm.org/Connecticut to volunteer or sign up for a free installation.

The American Red Cross is asking for help to Sound the Alarm in New Haven. The campaign aims to place 1,000 smoke detectors in city homes on Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

To meet this goal, the Red Cross is seeking volunteers. And everyone who helps will likely have a hand in saving a life.

"Statistics tell us that the people volunteering that day will save a life in the future," says Richard Branigan, Chief Program Officer for the American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. "For every 1,000 smoke detectors that are installed, one life is saved."

The Red Cross aims to marshal a team of 350 volunteers for the effort, which involves canvassing neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms, replacing batteries in existing alarms and helping families create escape plans.

The Red Cross is holding the event in coordination with the City of New Haven and local community partners. It is also receiving help from a team of 18-24 year olds assigned by AmeriCorps FEMA Corps program.

The Red Cross is specifically targeting the Newhallville, Hill, and Fair Haven neighborhoods, which have the highest concentration of residential structure fires in the city. Volunteers will provide free fire safety tips and information in addition to installing needed smoke detectors and replacing batteries.

All residents are encouraged to make an appointment for a free home fire safety visit. To make an appointment for a free fire safety visit or to volunteer, visit soundthealarm.org/Connecticut or call 1-877-287-3327.

Sound the Alarm home fire safety and smoke alarm installation event in Connecticut is made possible through the generous support of companies like Lifesaving Partner Kidde and Resiliency Partner Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

The Valley Community Foundation recently supported the American Red Cross with a $10,000 grant for a smoke alarm installation campaign in the Valley. The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven has been a longtime supporter of the American Red Cross through unrestricted grantmaking and designated funds including the Ruth M. Ferry Fund and Mildred A. Kelley Fund.

Visit giveGreater.org for more information about American Red Cross Connecticut.

Did you know?

The Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters a year, more than 700 in Connecticut. Working smoke alarms in a home cut the risk of death by half, and having an escape plan further improves the odds of survival.

This story is part of the Inspiration Monday story series produced by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.