May 7, 2018 – Westchester County Executive George Latimer joined with more than 100 American Red Cross volunteers in Mount Vernon, to help spread the word about the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety. The nationwide campaign called “Sound the Alarm, Save a Life,” provides free smoke alarms and free smoke alarm installations for families who need them. Latimer assisted in the installation of detectors in a home on South 10th Avenue, across the street from Grimes Elementary School, which he attended as a young boy.

Latimer said: “Keeping Westchester County homeowners safe is my top priority, and having a working smoke alarm is critical for the early detection of a home fire. I am proud to support this proactive initiative to install free smoke alarms throughout Mount Vernon, and hope it will enhance safety and the quality of life for our residents.”

Across the country, the “Sound the Alarm, Save a Life” campaign is making a difference. As of February 2018, the Red Cross its partners saved more than 348 lives, and installed more than one million free smoke alarms.

CEO of the American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter Mary Young said: "Working smoke alarms in a home cut the risk of death in half, and having an escape plan further improves the odds of survival. The Red Cross wants to end these tragedies and save lives.  We are so grateful to County Executive George Latimer for being a champion of this program, and his commitment to making our communities safer."

For more information about the “Sound the Alarm, Save a Life” program, visit https://www.redcross.org/sound-the-alarm.