Baltimore residents in Highlandtown received an extra layer of protection this weekend as the American Red Cross joined forces with Baltimore Gas and Electric and the Baltimore City Fire Department for a “Sound the Alarm” home fire safety event.

Held at Engine Company 41, the initiative brought volunteers door-to-door to share fire safety education, help families create escape plans, and install free smoke alarms in homes that need them most. The effort comes as home fires remain the most common disaster in the U.S., with officials stressing that families often have as little as two minutes to escape once a fire starts.

Leadership from the Red Cross of Central Maryland, including Executive Director Lenora Henry, and Battalion Chief Mark Ruff of the Fire Department highlighted the importance of preparedness and prevention. Volunteers emphasized that working smoke alarms and clear escape plans can mean the difference between life and death.

The event is part of a broader push to make Baltimore neighborhoods safer, one home at a time, while encouraging more residents to get involved in future safety efforts through SoundTheAlarm.org.

As community-based initiatives like this continue, they reflect the same spirit of collective responsibility and local impact that drives ongoing efforts to uplift and protect Baltimore residents