The Home Fire Campaign has been a popular topic in relation to the American Red Cross this year. The campaign seeks to reduce home fire related deaths and injuries by 25% over the next five years. Since October 2015, the Red Cross of Ventura County has hosted four events and installed over 430 free smoke alarms in residents’ homes.
The results are impressive, but what stands out for me is the positive impact the campaign is having on our community as a whole. When the campaign was launched last year, the following objectives were put in place:
Three of these objectives focus on the importance of unified community efforts. Based on my experience as a lead coordinator in Ventura, I can proudly say that our success would not be made possible without the dedicated Red Cross volunteers and outside organization partners.
On June 6th, 2015, 30 volunteers joined the Red Cross and the Oxnard City Fire Department for the fourth Home Fire Campaign in the county. More than half of these individuals represented groups other than the Red Cross; a major contributor being Naval Base Ventura County. As the day progressed (and with the help of a little caffeine), these strangers became friends. Working side by side to install alarms, create disaster response plans, and teach prevention education, bonds were forged and memories made.
“I had a very enjoyable time and many of the other naval base members have communicated similar feedback since. The event offered an opportunity to meet new people, learn valuable information, but also share in making a difference for those in need,” said Naval Officer Cody Brissey.
Anyone who has ever worked in public service, community outreach and event planning understands that there is power in numbers. An impressive 188 smoke alarms were installed on June 6th. A number of factors influenced these results, but the main one is collaboration. The quote, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” exemplifies the heart of the Home Fire Campaign. Alone, the Red Cross would not be able to make such a tremendous impact.
Other community partners that have joined our efforts include My Safe LA, 1-800 Board Up, Ventura County Star Newspaper, Ventura City Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, County Emergency Response Team (CERT) members, and local high school clubs. As word of the campaign spreads, we are delighted to see an increase in participation interest.
A strong community recognizes needs and works together to fix them; neighbors’ helping neighbors each step of the way. The Home Fire Campaign still has four years left, but based off our initial success, I am confident national goals will be met with ease.
Alexandria Almeida
AmeriCorps NPRC 2014-2015
Disaster Program Coordinator
American Red Cross of Ventura County
Red Cross Central California Blog 