Home fires are responsible for more fatalities in the U.S. in a typical year than all other natural disasters combined, killing an average of seven people every day. Most of these deaths occur in homes that lack working smoke alarms, yet many Americans remain woefully underprepared when it comes to home fire safety.
“In February, the Red Cross helped several Montebello families displaced following a building fire,” said Andea Ritter, Red Cross disaster program manager. “Though fires may keep happening, we want to make sure the community feels ready to escape and ready to react, if needed. We are thankful for the partnership with the City of Montebello and the Montebello Fire Department for coming together to Sound the Alarm. Save a Life.”
Visit redcross.org/lahomefire to schedule a 20-minute virtual training and find more ways to get involved.
SOUND THE ALARM SAVES LIVE
Earlier this spring, Red Cross volunteers and community partners launched a national Sound the Alarm effort to educate 100,000 people in at-risk communities about home fire safety. On May 8, across more than 50 cities nationwide, the Red Cross will host a day of action, where volunteers will meet with families by appointment outside their homes to review a home fire safety checklist and create an escape plan to practice their two-minute drill.
This annual Sound the Alarm initiative is a key part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has saved at least 864 lives since launching in 2014. To learn more and to pledge to prepare your family against home fires, visit SoundTheAlarm.org.