LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2021 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region experienced an unusually busy week, responding to 16 home fire events during the course of seven days.
Home fires account for 90 percent of all disaster responses, and this week Red Cross volunteers provided 30 people support and guidance through their disaster recovery. The fires took place throughout the region in Long Beach, Pico Rivera, El Monte, Hawaiian Gardens, Compton and Venice.
“This week showed us how important it is to continue to help prepare for home fires,” said Guillermo Sanchez, Regional Preparedness Manager for the Red Cross in Los Angeles Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire. Help protect your household, by testing your smoke alarms each month and practicing your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.”
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 ear to meeting immediate needs to connecting people with long-term recovery, our volunteers help ensure that families do not have to face tough times alone.
Red Cross volunteers have been trained in proper COVID-19 safety procedures from maintaining social distance to wearing masks to help us continue to serve communities impacted by local disasters, during the coronavirus outbreak.
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.