VALDOSTA — Valdosta has recently been selected to be a signature city for the annual Sound the Alarm, Save a Life campaign. 

According to the American Red Cross of South Georgia, the town is one of seven cities in the state to be chosen by the Red Cross Division Disaster Services Team.

As part of the nationwide campaign, free smoke alarms will be installed in local neighborhoods.

Terri Jenkins, regional executive director, said the national goal is 100,000 smoke alarms installed. The goal, locally, is to install 175 alarms and reach 360 households.

Volunteers will assist with creating escape plans for families, Jenkins said.

Members of the Red Cross, Valdosta Fire Department and Lowndes County Fire Rescue will visit homes Saturday, April 27, to offer smoke alarms.

A pre-canvasing event will be held Saturday, April 13. Door hangers will be placed at houses to alert residents about the installation event.

Residents in two mobile home parks in the county and one city neighborhood will benefit from the smoke alarms.

City coverage area extends from Park Avenue down Forrest Street, Jenkins said. The county’s coverage area is to be determined.

“The fire department determined the best neighborhoods that would be best suited to fit in this model because they’re at higher risk, underserved population,” she said, “and maybe some challenges within, so we’re gong to make their households safer by giving them free smoke alarms.”

Sound the Alarm, Save a Life was launched in October 2014 to minimize death and injuries by 25 percent, Jenkins said.

“In a little over four years, over 500 lives have been saved as a direct result of installing these smoke alarms,” she said.

While volunteers are putting in the alarms, others are meeting with family members to assist them in identifying two escape exits. This helps the family be more responsible and accountable, Jenkins said.

“The idea is for them to sit down with their family members and have that conversation. … It’s just to have that safety plan in place,” she said.

Community sponsorships will fund the campaign and the organization is requesting 75-100 volunteers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Volunteers will bring the campaign to Thomasville Sunday, May 19.

Call (229) 242-7404 for information about alarm requests, volunteering and sponsorships. 

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.