# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DDIWpfjpx1h
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72589303-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/c3756175fb.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-12-03T21:00:44.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

“A smoke alarm is not going to save your home. It’s going to save the most precious thing you have, and that’s the people inside.”

Last year, Robert Harris, an Army veteran and the chief operations officer for the ARCLouisiana, experienced a tragic home fire. He credits smoke alarms that were installed by Red Cross volunteers for saving his life. 

“Without a shadow of a doubt, I can say that the reason I'm sitting here and talking to you today is because that smoke alarm went off,” Robert said. “If it had not gone off, there’s no way I would be alive — the smoke would’ve gotten me before I made it out of bed.”

That night, Robert and his service dog were sleeping in bed when he was jolted awake by the screeching sound of smoke alarms. He heard an unfamiliar roar coming from the living room. When he went to open the bedroom door to investigate, he was met with fire and black smoke that burned his eyes.

Thankfully, Robert and his dog were able to escape through the bedroom window. “I had always been told through Red Cross training that you had two minutes to get out from the time a house fire started, but I never believed it,” Robert said. "I always thought I would have more time.”

It took only five minutes for the fire to engulf Robert’s home. Firefighters weren’t able to save his house, but fortunately, they prevented the flames from reaching his daughter’s house next door.

As a Red Crosser and smoke alarm recipient, Robert's experience made him appreciate the services we offer so much more. This Giving Tuesday, you can help us bring hope and help to people affected by disasters big and small across the country. Donate through the link in our bio to give today.

#GivingTuesday #GiveWithMeaning #RedCross #HolidayGiving #DisasterRelief #DisasterResponse #HomeFire

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- **Likes:** 461
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## Tags

disasterresponse, givingtuesday, homefire, redcross, holidaygiving, disasterrelief, givewithmeaning

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