City of Racine
Sound the Alarm: Volunteers Needed May 16
Last year, fire investigators from the Racine Fire Department found that only about 30–35% of the home fires they responded to had a working smoke alarm. That statistic drives the department’s commitment to the annual Sound the Alarm campaign — and the urgency behind this year’s call for community volunteers.
On Saturday, May 16, the Racine Fire Department and American Red Cross will team up to install free smoke alarms in homes across the city. Last year, 44 volunteers installed 206 alarms in 77 homes in just over six hours. This year, organizers are hoping to build on that momentum — and they need volunteers like you to make it happen.
What to expect as a volunteer
Volunteers will gather at Racine Fire Station 1 on 8th Street starting at 8:00 a.m. for a brief training session. No experience is necessary — the Red Cross provides all training, tools, and supplies. Light snacks, coffee, water, and a boxed lunch from Lee’s Deli will be provided. Participants are assigned to teams of at least three and work from a pre-arranged list of homes whose residents have already requested installation — there is no door-to-door canvassing. The event wraps up by 2:30 p.m.
Volunteer roles include smoke alarm installer, preparedness educator, and record keeper. Volunteers provide their own transportation to home installation sites.
Request a free smoke alarm
Racine residents who need a free smoke alarm installed can sign up at redcross.org/WIsmokealarms or by calling 888-376-4056. Installation appointments are available from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sign up to volunteer
Sign up to volunteer on the Red Cross Website, or for questions, contact Amber Carey at amber.carey@redcross.org or 414-335-7114.
