Sounding the Alarm with the Red Cross | May 4, 2019 - Washington, D.C.

By Clarice Nassif Ransom, Volunteer

American Red Cross volunteers
Eric Phillips and Myrna Arnold
(Photo by Clarice Nassif Ransom)

The American Red Cross held a Sound the Alarm event in Washington, D.C. on May 4, 2019, where 180 volunteers went door-to-door to install fire alarms and to provide fire safety education to residents in Northeast DC. The American Red Cross’ goal this Spring is to install 100,000 free fire alarms in homes in 30 communities nationwide.

“We are here to save lives,” said Linda Mathes, CEO for the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region. “Too many people die from home fires. The American Red Cross responds to 62,000 disasters a year and the majority are home fires. Smoke alarms help save lives. Go out and save some lives today.”

Volunteers from all ages and walks of life heard Mathes' call to duty and came together to lend a helping hand - from high school clubs of the American Red Cross to corporate volunteers, and everyone in between.

American Red Cross Volunteer
Robert Park installs a smoke alarm
at the event.
(Photo by Myrna Arnold)

“I think it is inspiring to see people from all ages and paths of life come together,” said Robert Park, an American Red Cross volunteer who installed seven of the over 200 smoke alarms at DC’s event.

“There is a sense of reward that our investment in the community helps to save lives.”

For Irene Steward, an American Red Cross volunteer who has responded to home fires, installing smoke alarms is an important action to take to help prevent a home fire tragedy.

“It’s one home you may not have to return to in the future,” said Steward, who notes that donating time to help others in need is a priority. “I can’t make a huge donation, but I can give my time to help others.”

“I want to help the community,” said Raymond Yang, an American Red Cross volunteer who is excited about installing fire alarms and has helped at other large events such as the Marine Corps Marathon. “I became an American citizen in 2008, and this is my way to say thank you to America.”

Left to Right: American Red Cross volunteers
Irene Steward and Raymond Yang
(Photo by Clarice Nassif Ransom)

Melinda Watters, an American Red Cross volunteer, was the ultimate ambassador of smoke alarm installations, as she was able to ease homeowners’ concerns, ensure a smooth smoke installation process, and disseminate fire safety information all at the same time.

“It is awesome to help people, and that is what I love to do,” said Watters.

Frankie Catalfumo, an American Red Cross volunteer and team captain of the DC Sound the Alarm event, also regularly volunteers by responding to home fire disasters and helps displaced individuals find temporary housing, food, and clothing when disaster strikes.

Left to right: Curtis Hills and American Red Cross volunteer Melinda Watters discuss
smoke alarm installation and fire prevention information.
Hills says he is thankful to the American Red Cross
for installing a fire alarm in his house. (Photo by Clarice Nassif Ransom)

“There is room for preparedness in people’s lives, from planning a meeting location if you have to leave the house during an emergency to a smoke alarm,” said Catalfumo. “Volunteering with the American Red Cross truly allows you to connect in a positive way, from preventing home fires and responding to them.”

Concluded Denise Miller, Executive Director, Fairfax County, American Red Cross in the National Capital Region, “Fire alarms save people’s lives, and we are grateful to all of our volunteers who make this possible. We couldn’t do it without you.”

Left to Right: American Red Cross volunteers Barbara Ross,
Frankie Catalfumo, and Melinda Watters
(Photo by Clarice Nassif Ransom)

Here are some tips to keep yourself safe!
Did you know?

• Seven people die every day from a home fire, most impacting children and the elderly
• 36 people suffer injuries as a result of home fires every day
• More than $7 billion dollars in property damage occurs every year from home fires

Home Fire Safety Checklist 

• Keep an eye on what you “fry.” Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or using an open flame.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Keep matches and lighters are locked away.
• At least twice a year, practice your fire escape plan with all family members. After each fire drill, mark down your escape plan.
• Furniture, curtains, dish towels and anything that could catch fire are at least three feet from any type of heat source.
• Large and small appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets.
• Change your smoke alarm batteries every year unless it has a long-life battery.
• Replace smoke alarms every ten years.
• Test your smoke alarms each month. 

Join us to help save lives and end home fires in your community!

Upcoming Sound the Alarm Signature Events in the National Capital Region:

• Sound the Alarm – Washington, DC (5/15/2019)
• Sound the Alarm – Alexandria, VA (5/18/2019)
• Sound the Alarm – Loudoun County (5/18/2019): Sterling, VA 

Left to Right: American Red Cross volunteers
Robert Park and Eric Phillips
install a smoke alarm at the event
 (Photo by Myrna Arnold)

Sign up here to join us today: soundthealarm.org/dc

And for more information on how to get prepared, visit redcross.org/prepare.