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Home fires are the most common disaster families face in Birmingham. But, they are also one of the most preventable.
That’s why the American Red Cross is taking action with their Sound the Alarm campaign—a life-saving initiative designed to reduce home fire-related deaths and injuries.
To get the inside information, we spoke with the Executive Director of the American Red Cross’ Mid Alabama Chapter, Anne Rygiel, and Darius Jackson, Deputy Disaster Programs Officer for the American Red Cross of Alabama and Mississippi.
Read on to learn how this annual campaign is saving countless in Birmingham and across Alabama through smoke alarm installations, home fire education, and more.
Importance of home fire safety
According to the Red Cross, you have just two minutes to escape a home fire.
I’m not sure I can even brush my teeth that fast. So, getting my whole family out the door and away from harm is leaning towards the impossible. It’s a scary thought.
That’s why being prepared is essential when it comes to protecting your family from the dangers of home fires.
“Most people don’t realize how prevalent home fires are. Last quarter, the Red Cross responded to over 300 home fires in central Alabama.
The Red Cross is proud that with every home fire, we are there to give support, hugs, and supplies people may need.”
Anne Rygiel, Executive Director, Mid Alabama ChapterAmerican Red Cross’ “Sound the Alarm” campaign
While the American Red Cross is known for being there when disaster strikes, the organization also strives to prevent these tragedies from occurring. Their most significant step toward home fire prevention is their “Sound the Alarm” campaign.
This nationwide initiative began in 2014 and aims to reduce home fire-related injuries and fatalities in high-risk communities by:
- Installing home smoke alarms
- Educating families
- Helping families create personalized fire escape plans (Print this sheet to make a fire escape plan for your home.)
“Sound the Alarm is one of our favorite events of the entire season. The campaign gives us a chance to be proactive by going out in the community and installing free smoke alarms. Through this service, we’re able to save lives and prevent tragedy before it happens.”
Our job is to ensure every family member knows where to exit their home and have multiple escape options so they can get out quickly.”
Anne Rygiel, Executive Director, American Red Cross–Meta ChapterIn 2024, through the Sound the Alarm Campaign, the Red Cross installed nearly 300 smoke alarms in homes across the Greater Birmingham Area, including Bessemer and Hueytown.
How you can keep your home safe from fires
Do you know what to do if a fire breaks out in your home? You likely learned to “Stop, Drop, and Roll” in Elementary School, but there’s much more to know and do to ensure your family can escape safely.
Here are some important tips from the American Red Cross:
- Check doorknobs with the back of your hand to avoid burns. If hot, try another exit.
- If smoke or fire blocks your escape, place a wet towel under the door. If possible, open (or break) a window.
- If trapped in your home, wave a brightly-colored cloth or flashlight out the window to alert firefighters you’re trapped inside.
- Yell FIRE right away before evacuating your home. This will alert everyone inside what’s happening.
- Have a designated meeting spot. Whether it’s your neighbor’s house across the street or the stop sign on the corner, your meeting spot should be away from your home to ensure everyone is out of harm’s way from flames, smoke, etc.
- Call 9-1-1 once it’s safe to do so.
Find even more fire safety tips here.
Get involved with the American Red Cross
Feeling inspired? There are countless volunteer opportunities with the American Red Cross, whether you install smoke alarms or help with disaster relief.
“The Red Cross can provide the resources we can because of our volunteers. We love our volunteers! If you have a passion for your community, we strongly encourage you to come and get involved with the Red Cross movement.”
Anne Rygiel, Executive Director, American Red Cross–Meta ChapterTo get involved with the American Red Cross, learn how to become a volunteer or donate now.
Want to find out more about the Sound the Alarm campaign? Visit the American Red Cross’ website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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