The Texas Gulf Coast American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help install 800 free smoke alarms for local families during a Sound the Alarm home fire safety event in 5th Ward neighborhood on Saturday, February 25.

“Sound the Alarm is rewarding way to give back and directly help local families,” said Ann Balthazar, Regional Preparedness Manager for the Texas Gulf Coast. “It’s a day of coming together to support one another, especially those most vulnerable to home fires. A working smoking alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy — and as a community, we can help our neighbors stay safe by ensuring they have these lifesaving devices.”

Those interested can register now at www.redcross.org/STAtxgulfcoast to volunteer during the Red Cross Sound the Alarm event on Saturday, February 25 at 9 a.m.. No prior experience is needed. Training will be provided at State Farm at 1315 Lockwood Dr. Houston before volunteer teams — with members of the Red Cross and State Farm— visit area homes to install smoke alarms and share fire safety information.

DONATIONS HELP PROVIDE FREE SERVICES Because of generous donations, all services are free and available for people in need. Can’t join the event? Donate to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org/STAtxgulfcoast to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires — which account for most of the U.S. disasters that the Red Cross responds to every eight minutes.

MORE THAN 1,500 LIVES SAVED AND COUNTING This Sound the Alarm event is a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more than 1,500 lives since launching in October 2014.

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from regional partners: Marathon Oil, Stellar Bank, EY, Sempra LNG, Flint Hills, Houston Methodist Hospital, Amegy Bank and Young Men’s Business League.