Featured Resource - Red Cross
Steve Thomas assisted by lifelong maine's age-friendly leaders

We reached out to learn more about your partnerships with Red Cross.

Augusta Age-Friendly worked with the Augusta Fire Department on their ‘Sound the Alarm’ campaign. It was most successful and the group plans to help in future events with the Fire Department.

In Age and Ability Friendly Bucksport, the Red Cross participated in their community Disaster/Emergency Expo. Again, because of the success of that event, they expect to partner for future events and training.

Age-Friendly Sullivan invited Caroline King, Executive Director of the Northern & Eastern Maine Chapter to speak at one of their meetings last winter. Ms. King provided several handouts, including planning sheets for home fire response, as well as checklists for winter storms and power outages, in her presentation. These handouts are now included in A-F Sullivan’s webpage for easy access.

In Age-Friendly Saco and Biddeford, it was, as it is so often, a team effort. Between them, the ‘Sound the Alarm’ campaign installed FREE alarms in more than 40 residences.

Last spring, Age-Friendly Windham distributed FREE emergency packs at a luncheon where Steve Thomas, Executive Director of the Southern Maine Chapter, was the guest speaker. Other Red Cross volunteers staffed a table and were available to answer questions and distribute information. This was so successful that the Red Cross was invited to take part in another luncheon this fall, where the focus will be on home fire prevention.

Healthy Peninsula – Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine. Deer Isle, Penobscot, Sedgwick, Stonington, and Surry. As part of their Bridging Neighbors community health outreach project, Lori Johnson, Healthy Aging Coordinator, distributes Red Cross information to their clients.  This has resulted in FREE smoke alarm installations for several peninsula residents.

Readfield Age-Friendly sponsored a ‘Sound the Alarm’ campaign last March. Elaine Katz says: ”I can't say enough good things about it.  Our community was so appreciative.” 

At Age-Friendly York, Red Cross classes will be offered this fall, focused on fire prevention. These classes are advertised during the Emergency Preparedness classes that they co-sponsor with the York Housing Authority, Fire Department, Ambulance Services, and the Town's Emergency Manager. They also actively promote the Red Cross smoke alarm installation FREE service.

In Age-Friendly Ellsworth, Friends in Action partners with the Red Cross by sponsoring presentations and assisting in the distribution of smoke alarms. 

We asked Steve Thomas, Executive Director of the Southern Maine Chapter of the Red Cross, for his take.

“Home fires are the most common - and deadliest - disaster across the United States, and Maine is no exception.  Seniors face elevated risks, as our chances of being injured or killed in a home fire double once we reach age 65.  The Red Cross is eager to partner with incredible organizations like Age Friendly to bring education and resources into our shared communities.  We need your help to ensure every home - and everyone - is prepared and protected from the threat of home fire.”