Register at www.redcross.org/STAtxgulfcoast  to volunteer on February 25 

HOUSTON; February 3, 2023 — The Texas Gulf Coast American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help install 800 free smoke alarms for local families during a Sound the Alarm home fire safety event in 5th Ward neighborhood on Saturday, February 25.

“Sound the Alarm is rewarding way to give back and directly help local families,” said Ann Balthazar, Regional Preparedness Manager for the Texas Gulf Coast. “It’s a day of coming together to support one another, especially those most vulnerable to home fires. A working smoking alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy — and as a community, we can help our neighbors stay safe by ensuring they have these lifesaving devices.”

Those interested can register now at www.redcross.org/STAtxgulfcoast to volunteer during the Red Cross Sound the Alarm event on Saturday, February 25 at 9 a.m.. No prior experience is needed. Training will be provided at State Farm at 1315 Lockwood Dr. Houston  before volunteer teams — with members of the Red Cross and State Farm— visit area homes to install smoke alarms and share fire safety information. 

“We are excited about the world renowned Red Cross bringing awareness and exposure to the plight of homes within area without properly working smoke detectors,: said Edwin McGowan with State Farm and the EMAC Agency. “We have seen the devastation first hand of the blight in our community after a fire. Our Agency cares about the lives and the property in 5th Ward/Denver Harbor communities.”

DONATIONS HELP PROVIDE FREE SERVICES Because of generous donations, all services are free and available for people in need. Can’t join the event? Donate to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org/STAtxgulfcoast to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires — which account for most of the U.S. disasters that the Red Cross responds to every eight minutes.

MORE THAN 1,500 LIVES SAVED AND COUNTING This Sound the Alarm event is a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more than 1,500 lives since launching in October 2014. 

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from regional partners: Marathon Oil, Stellar Bank, EY, Sempra LNG, Flint Hills, Houston Methodist Hospital, Amegy Bank and Young Men’s Business League. 

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 Twitter at @RedCross.

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