Red Cross partners with Carthage Fire Department to install free smoke alarms
SPRINGFIELD, Mo (March 21, 2023) – The American Red Cross of Southern Missouri is partnering with the Carthage Fire Department to install free smoke alarms for those who need them in Carthage.
The alarms are provided by the American Red Cross and are part of a national Sound the Alarm Campaign effort to install free smoke alarms in homes, help families create escape plans, and make homes safer by providing the early warning of a working smoke alarm.
American Red Cross workers and the Carthage Fire Department will install alarms from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 25 in Carthage. Residents can contact their local Fire Department to request an alarm if they are unavailable or missed this weekend.
“We are grateful to the Carthage Fire Department for its support to install free smoke alarms in Carthage, to help keep our neighborhoods safe from home fires,” said Stacy Burks, executive director, Southern Missouri chapter, American Red Cross. “Home fires are a constant threat in our community, accounting for most of our disaster responses. These efforts will make a lasting difference to help save lives and protect those who are most vulnerable.”
Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster. Since July 1, 2022, in the state of Missouri, the Red Cross has responded to more than 1,230 home fires which resulted in more than 4,550 people being assisted (includes Kansas and Illinois border counties).
In the Southern Missouri chapter area, the team has responded to more than 220 home fires and assisted over 730 individuals.
Also in the Southern Missouri Chapter area, since July 1, 2022, 417 alarms have been installed, 431 people served and 184 households made safer (more than one alarm was installed in each home).
Ways you can participate:
To sign up for a free smoke alarm or make a financial donation to the Red Cross to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from a home fire, go to soundthealarm.org/Missouri.
This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from our regional partner:
Victor E. Speas Foundation.