On Saturday, April 1, the American Red Cross of Northern New England and Camden, Rockport and Rockland fire departments will team up to install 150 free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event.

The effort is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save at least 1,664 lives since launching in October 2014.

Locally, at least 17,638 free smoke alarms have been installed in homes across Maine making 5,593 households safer since 2014.

Sound the Alarm kickoff, at the First Congregational Church, 55 Elm St., Camden, begins with remarks and volunteer training, followed by smoke alarm installations at area homes where volunteer teams will also discuss home fire safety with families.

The day begins at 9 a.m. with smoke alarms installations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Those participating include:           

• Tom Hedstrom, Camden Select Board, lost 14-year-old son to a home fire in 2021
• Rep. Vicki Doudera, Camden and Rockport, survived a home fire as a child
• Stephanie French, Camden Select Board
• Chief Chris Farley, Camden Fire Department               
• Chief Christopher Whytock, Rockland Fire Department
• Rev. Dr. Ute Susanna Molitor, First Congregational Church
• Sophie Piconi, Red Cross Central and Midcoast Maine Executive Director
• Stephanie Couturier, Red Cross of Northern New England Chief Executive Officer