In 2015, after a family of five tragically died in a fire because there were no working smoke detectors in the home the year before, the New Orleans Fire Department began an initiative to distribute and install fire alarms across the city. The City’s Office of Performance and Accountability developed a model to more appropriately determine fire risk. 

Using the model, the NOFD then went door-to-door in the highest risk areas to distribute the free fire alarms. Today, they still offer free alarms and installation by appointment.

 The volunteerism of these Xavierites comes on the heels of the annual Xavier University MLK Day of Service, where Xavierites served several local organizations alongside Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The eager responses of students and staff wanting to be involved was so overwhelming that sign-ups had to be closed two days before the event.