Red Cross Teams Up To Install Free Smoke Alarms In Recognition Of Wildfire Awareness Month - 05/13/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 

Red Cross teams up to install free smoke alarms in recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month

Join us this Saturday in Medford for our life-saving Home Fire Campaign.

[Medford, OR May 12, 2026] On May 16, the American Red Cross, Medford Fire and Rescue, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, along with student athletes from Rogue Community College, in partnership with the Rogue Valley YMCA will be installing FREE smoke alarms as part of the Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more 2,600 lives since launching in October 2014.   

“Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire — and that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” says Red Cross Executive Director of Southwest Oregon, Carisa Hettich. “A working smoke alarm can cut your risk of death by half.”

WHAT: Home Fire Campaign

WHERE: Roberts Road YMCA—2200 Roberts Road, Medford, OR, 97504

WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026.

• Welcome rally begins at 10:00 am.
• Installations in the community start at 11:00 am. 

WHO:  American Red Cross

            Medford Fire and Rescue

            Rogue Community College

            Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 

            Rogue Valley YMCA

There’s still time to sign up for your free smoke alarm. Click on https://www.redcross.org/local/oregon/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign.html

VISUALS: Volunteers installing smoke alarms and educating local families.  

Sample smoke alarm installations (B-Roll) can be found here and here.  

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS:

 Medford Fire and Rescue

Having a working smoke alarm in the home is critical for the early detection of a fire.  Everyone knows the bigger a fire grows, the harder it is to put out.  Smoke alarms save lives, property and reduces the amount of money needed to restore a home after a fire.  They’re a life saving tool, that no one should sleep without.

Rogue Community College

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has partnered with the American Red Cross for many years in many different ways. We treasure this relationship and feel fortunate to be able to serve in the communities of Southern Oregon this week. 

Rogue Valley YMCA

“Partnering with the Red Cross on the Sound the Alarm campaign reflects the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening community health and safety. Together, we can help families become better prepared, protect vulnerable neighbors, and ensure more homes have the lifesaving resources and education needed to prevent tragedy.” ~ Brad Russell, Rogue Valley Family YMCA Executive Director

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.