# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C6WMTAJvm7o
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72590182-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/01626b1a51.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-04-29T13:17:07.000+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.”

In December, Robert Harris, who is an Army veteran, former law enforcement agent and the chief operations officer for the ARCLouisiana, experienced a devastating 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.”

Robert had gone to a friend’s birthday dinner the night of the fire and returned home to enjoy his fireplace in the living room with his service dog. He eventually settled for bed until he was jolted awake by the screeching sound of smoke alarms.

He heard an unfamiliar roar coming from the living room and checked the doorknob but felt no heat. When he opened the bedroom door to investigate, he was met with fire and black smoke instantaneously.

Thankfully, Robert and his service 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, prevented the flames from reaching his daughter’s house next door.

Robert may have not utilized Red Cross recovery assistance but his experience made him appreciate the services we offer that much more. He’s also working with our Service to the Armed Forces team to get his prized military awards reissued.

❤️ This work wouldn’t be possible without YOU — our supporters! That’s why our friends at SuburbanPropaneOfficial are matching EVERY dollar you give starting today (April 29) up to $200K. Make your generosity go twice as far by donating through the link in our bio. #EndHomeFires

#FireSafety #MatchingGift #DoubleTheImpact #GiveBack #DonateToday

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## Tags

endhomefires, matchinggift, doubletheimpact, donatetoday, giveback, firesafety

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