Sound the Alarm

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Disasters can form at any time, in unanticipated ways that disrupt the lives of those in their path. The American Red Cross provides assistance to victims impacted by disasters across the nation and operates locally as well.   

East Central Ohio Red Cross Executive Director Rod Cook discussed recent house fire fatalities, and how their ‘Sound the Alarm’ initiative takes steps toward preventing that kind of devastation.  

“This is a national effort but including local chapters, in which we will be going out and installing, really as many smoke alarms, free smoke alarms, as possible. And any household that will allow us to come in and inspect their home and install free smoke alarms, the only thing in return that we ask of residents is about 10 minutes so that we can provide some disaster education,” Cook said.

The initiative will begin May 1, and operate until May 21, with a goal of installing a minimum of 200 smoke alarms. On Saturday, May 7, the Red Cross will team with the Zanesville Fire department to campaign door-to-door, promoting house fire safety awareness.

“If you are interested, on May 7, in joining us, we would love to have more volunteers come out. We are going to be meeting at 9 a.m. It’s a Saturday,” Cook said. “We would love to have you join us at 9 o’clock at the Zanesville Fire Department on South Street. That’s where we’ll gather and we will provide all the training that morning.”

Cook noted that there have been too many children lost to house fires and that Muskingum County has seen too many house fires in the past few months.

To request a free Smoke detector you can call (844) 207-4509 or to learn more about the ‘Sound the Alarm’ initiative you can visit the Red Cross online.