During short home visits, Red Cross volunteers and partners install free smoke alarms, and share information on common home fire causes, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan. Our volunteers ensure our services are available full circle if they are needed, and that we’re here for our community members – ensuring they do not have to face life’s emergencies alone.”īurnie’s home now has an added element of protection thanks to his preparedness mindset and the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign.Īll Red Cross services, including smoke alarm installations, are free of charge thanks to our generous partners. “We are proud to play an important role in the prevention of home fire-related injuries in our communities, while at the same time, we’re also able to play an important role in the response process when a fire unfortunately does occur. “Every day, people’s lives are devastated by home fires,” said Natalie Manier, Red Cross Disaster Program Manager for Contra Costa County. It is activated when an accompanying traditional smoke alarm is triggered during a fire. The specialized alarm, frequently referred to as a ‘Bed Shaker,’ is typically installed next to the bed, and alerts residents using a strobe light and vibrating pad that can be placed under the mattress or pillow. People who are deaf or hard of hearing are particularly vulnerable to home fires because they may not be able to hear a traditional smoke alarm. After moving to Martinez, Burnie reached back out to the Red Cross to set up a free installation in his new home. One component of the Home Fire Campaign is the ability for the Red Cross to provide specialized smoke alarms to alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in the event of a fire. To date, the campaign’s efforts have saved at least 1,366 lives since 2014. Photo by Marcie Wright-Powell/American Red CrossĮnter the Home Fire Campaign: a year-round effort aimed at home fire prevention through free smoke alarm installations and preparedness education.
Red Cross volunteers Don Powell (left) and Ron Redmond (right) install smoke alarms in Burnie Gipson’s home in Martinez, Calif.
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