Red Cross, Gospel Temple to install free smoke alarms across Jackson this weekend

The American Red Cross and Gospel Temple Holiness Church said they are installing free smoke alarms and offering home fire‑safety education across Jackson this weekend as part of the Red Cross "Sound the Alarm" outreach.

Lisa Peoples of the American Red Cross said the program targets neighborhoods that need alarms and local partners so the Red Cross can reach residents quickly after a disaster. "We made community adaptations where the Red Cross is setting up relationships with other churches, organizations that could be utilized in disaster recovery," Peoples said. She noted partners were on the ground within hours after the April tornadoes.

Danny Evans of Gospel Temple Holiness Church said his congregation is one of the local partners leading the canvass in Bemis and South Jackson. "It's all about help," Evans said. "If they know who we are, we know who they are, we can actually be a greater help to the South Jackson and the Bemis area." Evans added that teams install alarms and provide safety tips about space heaters and escape plans while in homes.

Hosts encouraged residents to watch the flyer the organizers shared on Facebook for sign-up details and emphasized that the Red Cross effort is open to all Jackson households. The program was timed to coincide with daylight‑savings time change, when many people check smoke‑alarm batteries.

Organizers provided an email contact on the event flyer for scheduling visits and said canvassers will wear identifying materials and visit with advance notice when possible.

The canvass began in neighborhoods identified by the Red Cross and partner churches; the Red Cross said its local fire department partners also are assisting with installations and education.