Residents of Nebraska and Southwest Iowa have shown a willingness to serve the community by volunteering to help those affected by the recent flooding. The American Red Cross of Nebraska/SW Iowa is now encouraging people to volunteer to help prevent a disaster of a different kind.
Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster in the U.S., the majority of which are home fires. Tragically, seven people die in home fires each day, most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Later this month, the Red Cross is rallying hundreds of volunteers to install free smoke alarms during its Sound the Alarm home fire safety events.
“Countless people have reached out to us in recent weeks asking how they can help in their community,” said Jill Orton, American Red Cross Region CEO. “Serving those impacted by flooding is important and that need remains. We also have neighbors who are vulnerable to home fires who need support to prevent needless tragedies. You can help families by ensuring they have working smoke alarms and know how to stay safe from these everyday disasters.”
People can register now at SoundTheAlarm.org to volunteer at home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events in North Omaha on April 27 and in South Omaha on April 29. Volunteers will canvas high-risk neighborhoods and install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms and help families create escape plans.
Omaha Sound the Alarm Installation Events
North Omaha
April 27, 2019 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Staging Location: Morning Star Baptist Church (2019 Burdette Street)
South Omaha
April 29, 2019 -4 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Staging Location: Iglesia Cristiana Pacto de Fe (5408 S. 32nd Street)