This spring, volunteers and members of the American Red Cross will team up with community partners to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during Sound the Alarm events in western Pennsylvania. This effort is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save at least 2,063 lives since launching in October 2014.
“A working smoke alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy when a home fire strikes,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “That’s why the Red Cross is teaming up with our community partners to help ensure neighbors have these lifesaving devices.”
Each Sound the Alarm event kicks off with remarks and volunteer training at the meeting location, followed by smoke alarm installations at area homes where volunteer teams will also discuss home fire safety with families.
IF YOU NEED A SMOKE ALARM Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment for smoke alarm installations by calling the phone number listed for each event (below) or visiting SoundTheAlarm.org/greaterpa. Volunteers will go door-to-door to offer home fire safety visits during each Sound the Alarm event for neighbors who did not make appointments.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Sound the Alarm is a rewarding way to give back and directly help local families. Sign up to volunteer by using the links below or visiting SoundTheAlarm.org/greaterpa. No prior experience is needed — training will be provided for installing smoke alarms and sharing fire safety information. Volunteers under 18 require parental consent.
DONATIONS HELP PROVIDE FREE SERVICES Can’t join an event? Because of generous donations, all services are free and available for people in need. Donate at redcross.org/greaterpa to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires.
This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from our regional partners: Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Erie Insurance Group, EQT, FedEx Ground, MSA, National Fuel Gas, Seneca Resources, UGI Utilities, Inc., UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.
Uniontown Sound the Alarm
Saturday, April 13, 2024
11 a.m. (kickoff); smoke alarm installations at area homes to follow until 3 p.m.
Kickoff location: City of Uniontown Bureau of Fire (84 N. Beeson Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401)
Partners: City of Uniontown Bureau of Fire, Christ’s Church Greensburg
Request an appointment: 833-315-0882
Register to volunteer: https://rdcrss.org/4cKkp5E
Rochester Sound the Alarm
Saturday, April 27, 2024
9 a.m. (kickoff); smoke alarm installations at area homes to follow until 1 p.m.
Kickoff location: Rochester Fire Department (632 California Ave., Rochester, PA 15074)
Partner: Rochester Fire Department
Request an appointment: 724-480-3170
Register to volunteer: https://rdcrss.org/4aqu0gG
Brackenridge and Tarentum Sound the Alarm
Saturday, May 11, 2024
9 a.m. (kickoff); smoke alarm installations at area homes to follow until 1 p.m.
Kickoff location: Pioneer Hose Company #1 (124 Morgan St., Brackenridge, PA 15014)
Partners: Rep. Mandy Steele, Pioneer Hose Company, Summit Hose Company, Highland Hose Fire Company, Eureka Fire-Rescue Station 281
Request an appointment: 412-263-5278
Register to volunteer: https://rdcrss.org/3xlOqIV
Monessen Sound the Alarm
Saturday, May 11, 2024
9:30 a.m. (kickoff); smoke alarm installations at area homes to follow until 3 p.m.
Kickoff location: Monessen Volunteer Fire Department (239 Donner Ave., Ste. B, Monessen, PA 15062)
Partners: Monessen Volunteer Fire Department, Christ’s Church Greensburg
Request an appointment: 833-315-0882
Register to volunteer: https://rdcrss.org/3xr9vln
FOR MEDIA Opportunities for photos and b-roll of kickoff remarks, volunteer training, volunteers installing smoke alarms and meeting with local families; interviews available with speakers and willing volunteers.
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.
