LOS ANGELES, April 8, 2021 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region encourages Angelenos to help #EndHomeFires by attending a virtual one-on-one home fire safety class.
From April 8 to May 8, Red Cross volunteers will Sound the Alarm in Los Angeles as part of a national effort to educate 100,000 people about home fire safety in high-risk neighborhoods. Volunteers will meet with residents by virtual appointments to share fire safety information, help families create escape plans and practice two-minute fire drills. Visit redcross.org/lahomefire to schedule a 20-minute virtual training and find more ways to get involved.
“Home fires remain the most frequent disaster during COVID-19, yet most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to safely escape,” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO for the Red Cross Los Angeles. “As families spend more time at home during the pandemic, it’s critical that we help our vulnerable neighbors protect themselves from these everyday disasters.”
In 2021 alone (just three months), Red Cross LA has supported more than 660 people following more than 120 home fires. The Red Cross helped with urgent needs such as emergency sheltering, financial assistance and recovery planning.
Most recently, the Red Cross responded to a condominium fire in Panorama City and helped more than 50 people displaced by the fire by providing food, water, safe lodging and other services as they begin the recovery process. A report published by the Los Angeles Fire Department sited that functioning smoke alarms alerted some occupants, and all were able to evacuate safely.