Did you know that home fires claim seven lives every single day? It’s a heartbreaking reality — but there’s hope. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a fire by half. That’s why volunteers across the country are stepping up to protect families, one home at a time.

On Saturday, September 13, a passionate group of volunteers hit the streets of Rosenberg, Texas, just 40 minutes from Houston, to make a difference. Among them were dedicated nursing students from Sam Houston University, ready to roll up their sleeves and help save lives.

One of the families they met was Esteban Ramos, who lives with his wife and a relative with disabilities. “I’ve always known the Red Cross does good work,” Ramos said. “We had smoke detectors, but they didn’t work. Getting new ones for free — it’s a blessing. I’ve had friends who lost everything in fires.”

Three brand-new smoke alarms were installed in Ramos’s home that day. “A lot of people like us don’t have working detectors,” he added. “This project is going to help so many families.”

Just down the street, Maritza Perla welcomed the volunteers with surprise — she didn’t have any smoke detectors at all. “I had never heard of Sound the Alarm,” she said. “The volunteers were amazing. Now, for the first time, my home is protected.”

Preparedness saves lives. Test your smoke alarms every month. Practice a two-minute fire drill with your family. And make sure everyone knows the safe meeting spot outside your home.

The Red Cross is here to help families prepare for and recover from emergencies — and 90% of our team are volunteers. You can be part of this life-saving mission. Join the next Sound the Alarm event, donate blood, or support the cause at RedCross.org.

by F.A. Philibert