FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Cross to install free smoke alarms in October
Red Cross joins with local fire department to provide free home fire safety information and install smoke alarms
JACKSON, MS (Sept. 26, 2025) — This month, volunteers and members of the American Red Cross and the Utica Volunteer Fire Department will join forces to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event in vulnerable communities in Utica, Mississippi. This home fire safety event is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign aimed at reducing fire deaths and injuries across the country. In Mississippi, smoke alarms have saved 88 lives.
Residents who need assistance can visit soundthealarm.org/Mississippi or call (205) 439-7879 to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visits, Red Cross volunteers and members of the communities will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.
Red Cross volunteers and partners will visit the neighborhoods below and go door-to-door to install free smoke alarms. During the 20-minute home visits, volunteers will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.
Saturday, Oct. 4:
Utica, MS
“Every second counts when there’s a home fire because you may have as little as two minutes to escape before it’s too late,” Senior Disaster Program Manager, Mitch Chatman, said. “That’s why Red Cross volunteers will be out with our partners to help families take critical steps to protect themselves against these everyday disasters.”
People interested in volunteering for the events can sign up at soundthealarm.org/Mississippi. No prior experience is needed — training will be provided on the day of.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY To help protect your family from a home fire, place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Create a home fire escape plan with at least two ways to exit every room in your home. Practice your plan until everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes.
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 visit us on X at @RedCross.
