OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — While volunteers across Nebraska and Southwest Iowa have worked endlessly to serve those affected by flooding, the American Red Cross is now calling for people to help prevent a disaster of a different kind.
The American Red Cross responds to a disaster in the U.S. every eight minutes--a majority of which are home fires, according to a press release. Later in April, the Red Cross is rallying hundreds of volunteers to aid in installing 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.”
Seven people die in home fires each day--most in homes that lack working smoke alarms, the Red Cross says.
People can register for Sound the Alarm here to volunteer at home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events in North and South Omaha. Volunteers will canvas in high-risk neighborhoods and install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in already 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)
