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The Red Cross and Selma Fire Department will work together to install free smoke alarms in Ward 7 on January 16.

The event is titled, Sound the Alarm event in Ward 7. The home fire safety program is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign aimed at reducing fire deaths and injuries across the country.

Ward 7 who need assistance can visit soundthealarm.org/alabama to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation during the local Red Cross Sound the Alarm event from 10 a.m. – noon.

During the 20-minute home visits, Red Cross volunteers and members of the Selma Fire Department will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.

Selma City Councilwoman Jannie Thomas is pleased that residents in her Ward 7 will get assistance.

“I’m excited because that will help the residents in my neighborhood with the homes is having a smoke alarm put in,” Thomas said.

“Every second counts when there’s a home fire because you may have as little as two minutes to escape before it’s too late,” Kelly Hodges, Executive Director of, the Central East Alabama chapter said.

“That’s why Red Cross volunteers will be out with the Selma Fire Department to help families take critical steps to protect themselves against these everyday disasters.”

People interested in volunteering for the January 16 event can soundthealarm.org/alabama. No prior experience is needed — training will be provided at R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy.

Volunteers are also needed to conduct pre-event canvassing throughout the neighborhoods on Saturday, January 7, 10 a.m. – noon at 812 Selma Ave.