LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2, 2021 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region experienced a busy October this year as compared to September, responding to 20 home fire events during the course of 31 days.

Home fires account for 90 percent of all disaster responses, and for the month of October, Red Cross volunteers provided 110 people support and guidance through their disaster recovery journey. In addition, they supported firefighters with water and snacks as they battled a three-alarm fire in Covina.

“Every second counts when there’s a home fire,” said Thomas Hill, Regional Disaster Officer for Red Cross Los Angeles. “As cold weather months approach and you start to use heating equipment to stay warm, help protect your loved ones by testing your smoke alarms and practicing your two-minute escape plan.”

Every day, people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. Trained and available volunteers are ready to respond to these emergencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From offering a caring and compassionate ear, to meeting any immediate needs for shelter or supplies, to connecting people with long term recovery services, our volunteers ensure that families do not have to face tough times alone.

Red Cross volunteers have been trained to maintain social distancing and follow proper safety procedures to continue serving communities impacted by local disasters, during the coronavirus outbreak.

STAY SAFE FROM HOME FIRES

Since the beginning of the 2021, Red Cross volunteers responded to 285 home fires helping more than 1,800 people in Los Angeles. We want everyone to be safe with working smoke alarms — which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. The Red Cross urges everyone to follow these safety tips to prevent fires and keep everyone safe:

1. Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.
2. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced because components such batteries can become less reliable. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
3. Include at least two ways to exit every room in your home in your escape plan.
4. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.
5. Tailor your escape plan to everyone’s needs in your household. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, install strobe light and bed-shaker alarms to help alert you to a fire. When practicing your plan, include any devices or people that can help you to get out safely.

HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION:

• Thanks to donations, our services are free and available for all those in need. Visit redcross.org/la to support our lifesaving work.
• The need is constant to help families after home fires and other disasters. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to become a volunteer.
• Visit redcross.org/fire for home fire safety information, including an escape plan to practice with your family.

Families in our community and across the country turn to the Red Cross every day to help #EndHomeFires. Hospital patients still need lifesaving blood; neighbors still need food, shelter and care after disasters; and military families still need support. Your help is needed to fulfill the urgent needs of our mission today at redcross.org/la.

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.