LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2021 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region responded to back-to-back home fires this weekend that impacted four families in Long Beach, Nickerson Gardens, Central Alameda and Azusa.

Throughout the weekend, volunteers from the Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to multiple home fires in Los Angeles providing emergency financial assistance and virtual one-on-one support for 16 individuals affected. Red Cross volunteers have been re-trained to maintain social distancing and follow proper safety procedures to continue serving communities impacted by local disasters, during the coronavirus outbreak.

Single- and multi-family fires account for 90% of disaster responses. Trained and available DAT 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 don’t have to face tough times alone.

Visit redcross.org/lahomefire to schedule a 20-minute virtual training and find more ways to get involved.

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.

STAY SAFE FROM HOME FIRES

In 2021 alone (just three months), Red Cross LA has supported more than 670 people following more than 120 home fires. 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. Test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it is too late.
2. In your escape plan, include at least two ways to exit every room in your home. 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.
3. While practicing your escape plan, teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.
4. Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.
5. Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced. Follow the alarm’s manufacturer instructions. 

During the month of April, help #EndHomeFires by attending our virtual one-on-one home fire safety training. Visit redcross.org/lahomefire to schedule a 20-minute virtual training and find more ways to get involved.

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.