Preparing Her Neighbors’ Homes One Smoke Alarm at a Time

By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer

Susan Searey relies on her strengths to make a lasting impact with her local American Red Cross Chapter.

These efforts were recognized earlier this year at the Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter Volunteer Recognition Awards. Susan was honored with the Disaster Preparedness Award for her outstanding contributions to the On-Demand Smoke Alarm Installation program and her work to educate residents on home fire safety and the importance of working smoke alarms.

“Don’t give up, just show up to every opportunity,” she recommends. This tireless attitude to make a difference is often noticed by other Red Crossers.

Before her retirement, Susan dedicated her time to a local non-profit organization focused on helping women secure meaningful employment by providing various services, including access to professional clothing. Drawing from her past experiences, Susan seamlessly integrated her expertise into the operations and planning of the On-Demand calls at the Red Cross, thereby amplifying the program’s effectiveness.

The On-Demand Smoke Alarm Installation program plays a crucial role in the community by dispatching Red Cross volunteers to install smoke alarms for residents in need. Susan has personally witnessed the positive impact of this program on families within her community.

Susan remembers a call she received to go out to a multi-generational home where the woman explained that her own parents had received a smoke alarm from the Red Cross, and it had saved their lives when their home had caught on fire. The woman knew she had to get one to protect her own family. This moving encounter further inspired Susan to continue her dedicated efforts in the program and hopes it inspires more to get involved.

Susan credits her involvement in home installations to a phone call from the Red Cross. Once she took on the role, she saw small ways to improve the program to be more efficient. She initiated proactive reminders for families before their scheduled appointments and took charge of organizing and scheduling appointments, ensuring that the program ran smoothly.

Susan credits her accomplishments to the team of volunteers who do the installation and help in the office to get everything scheduled out properly. 

Beyond her involvement in On-Demand calls, Susan finds fulfillment in conducting Pedro with Pedro Presentations. These presentations offer a valuable platform for volunteers to educate young children about the Red Cross’s mission and provide essential tips for fire safety. Susan started bringing a stuffed penguin to each presentation which has proven to be an essential tool to get the children excited and engaged in the topics.

For anyone interested in learning about different opportunities to volunteer Susan encourages people to, “just be involved, just show up and that’s how you get plugged in and connected.”

If you would like to join volunteers like Susan, join the Red Cross mission today. If you are in need of smoke alarms through the On Demand program, sign up here.