CLARKSVILLE, TN – The American Red Cross had strong attendance at this year’s FY24 “Sound the Alarm Save A Life” event at Word of Life Ministries.

Seventy heroes attended the event ready to install smoke alarms and educate each person and family in staying safe.

On Oct. 7, volunteers were sent in teams to various blocks in the community surrounding Word of Life ministries at 1236 Vine Street. There were 205 people educated, 80 smoke alarms installed and 78 homes made safe all in one day, thanks to the dedication of all these volunteers. Some of the volunteers came from organizations including the Clarksville City and Montgomery County Fire Dept., Austin Peay Softball team, Montgomery County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), American Red Cross volunteers, American Red Cross Board members, and Word of Life Ministries.

The Clarksville City Mayor honored the American Red Cross by presenting a Proclamation on behalf of Clarksville City and Montgomery County for being named the signature city for the state of Tennessee. The Word of Life Ministries volunteers provided lunch for 70 people, after volunteers tirelessly walked the streets and greeted each welcoming household with a fire escape plan and/or free smoke alarms.

The second wave of volunteers led by Ron Lanfear and James Cauthen educated 170 people from 9 am to noon on Oct. 14 at the Bell Crossing Mobile Home Park. Residents of this community were very welcoming. 34 smoke detectors were installed, 48 homes were made safe and 170 people were educated on fire safety.

Combining these two STASAL weekends makes the Chapter’s grand total of people educated on fire/disaster safety 375. Collectively (from both Saturdays October 7 and October 14) there have been 114 smoke alarms installed and 126 homes made safe.

Our gratitude to:

  • Mayor Pitts and Mrs. Pitts
  • Clarksville/Montgomery County Fire Fighters and their families
  • Word of Life Ministries
  • Word of Life Ministries – cooks
  • Austin Peay University Softball Team
  • ARES Ham Radio club
  • Mission BBQ-potato salad
  • Peach Cobbler – cookies
  • F&M Bank – volunteer gifts
  • American Red Cross volunteers extraordinaire
  • American Red Cross amazing Board members
  • Regional ARC staff
  • TNR staff