180 Minutes, 12 Volunteers, 103 Fire Alarms Installed

Team Suburban Propane volunteers began our day at 9:00am on Saturday, April 6^th setting up and preparing for the Sound the Alarm event with the American Red Cross. After a brief instructional meeting, we learned how we were going to change and save lives that day.

Each of our 6 teams was accompanied by an American Red Cross team leader, along with 2 buckets with 10 smoke alarms in each. As we started visiting the homes in the area, we were warmly received by very excited residents.

Our teams installed a total of 103 smoke alarms. One team with several Suburban Propane volunteers installed over 40 alarms! All volunteers then attended a lunch sponsored by our local Customer Service Center. The decorations created a festive atmosphere and the fellowship was amazing. The Mayor of Key West, Teri Johnston, was in attendance as well as other local leaders of Key West and of the American Red Cross.

Volunteering for this event made a difference in people’s lives. We saved and changed the lives of people who may not have been able to afford smoke alarms. We spoke to adults and kids about the importance of knowing what to do in case of a fire; how to get out of your home and who to contact. In the end it was our lives – the volunteers – that were touched. When you experience something like this, you never forget the joy and smiles that we as volunteers were able to put on people’s faces. It was an amazing experience for Suburban Propane and the American Red Cross to come together and put on an event like this.

“It was something special. You never know what you are going to experience when you volunteer for something like this.” Ray Granger, Customer Service Center Manager for our Key West, FL location & Sound the Alarm event volunteer

Find an American Red Cross Sound the Alarm Event in your local community