The American Red Cross has announced the return of its Sound the Alarm campaign, which will run from April 26 to May 17, according to the organization.
During the campaign, volunteers and partners will install free smoke alarms and support families in developing fire escape plans in Michigan communities.
The Red Cross stated that working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.
As part of a campaign preview, the American Red Cross partnered with the Farmington Hills Fire Department for a public event on Wednesday.
According to the Red Cross, the demonstration included a live controlled burn of a furnished living room to show how quickly fire can spread in a home.
Latoysa “Toy” Rooks, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross Michigan Region, said:
“Most people don’t realize how fast a fire can engulf a home.
“Having working smoke alarms can be lifesaving.”
The Sound the Alarm campaign is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which began in October 2014.
According to the American Red Cross, the initiative has led to the installation of over 86,000 smoke alarms in Michigan and has reached more than 33,500 households across the state.
Nationally, the organization reported that more than 3 million alarms have been installed since the campaign began.
The Red Cross noted that devices are available in various formats, including models that use vibration and flashing lights to support individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The American Red Cross reported that it responds to approximately 65,000 disasters each year in the United States.
The majority of those responses are related to home fires, according to the organization.
As of April 2025, the Red Cross stated that it had already responded to more than 550 home fires across Michigan, assisting more than 2,000 individuals.
It added that about half of these incidents occurred in Southeast Michigan.
The Red Cross explained that it works alongside local fire departments to offer emergency support to families affected by home fires.
This assistance includes emergency shelter, mental health support, spiritual care, help replacing lost items such as medication or medical devices, and financial support tailored to individual needs.
Rooks said:
“Thanks to donations, Red Cross services are free and available to those in need.”
The organization added that it continues to install smoke alarms year-round beyond the Sound the Alarm campaign period.
Residents interested in receiving a smoke alarm or volunteering can contact 1-800-RED CROSS or visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Michigan.
The American Red Cross will hold its Sound the Alarm campaign in Michigan from April 26 to May 17.
The organization and its partners will install free smoke alarms and assist families with fire escape planning.
This initiative is part of the Red Cross’s Home Fire Campaign, which started in 2014.
The Red Cross has installed over 86,000 smoke alarms and reached more than 33,500 households in Michigan since the program began.
Nationally, more than 3 million smoke alarms have been installed by the organization.
The Red Cross partners with local fire departments to conduct demonstrations, such as the recent event with Farmington Hills Fire Department.
The organization responds to around 65,000 disasters annually across the United States.
Most of these disasters are home fires, according to the Red Cross.
In 2025, over 550 home fires have occurred in Michigan so far.
More than 2,000 individuals have received support, including shelter and financial aid.
The Red Cross provides alarms suitable for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The organization installs smoke alarms throughout the year, not just during the campaign.
Individuals can request installation or volunteer by contacting the Red Cross.
