American Red Cross
Northern California Coastal Region
redcross.org/norcalcoastal
Media Contact: Cari Dighton
Telephone: (415) 583-2949
cari.dighton@redcross.org
Residents across Northern California encouraged to sign up for 30-minute session
SAN FRANCISCO — Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire. That’s why the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region is preparing families to act quickly through their Home Fire Campaign.
On May 8, Red Cross volunteers will Sound the Alarm throughout Northern California and across the country as part of a national effort to educate 100,000 people about home fire safety this spring. Local Red Cross volunteers will meet virtually with families to review fire safety steps for their household.
During each free, 30-minute session, a Red Cross volunteer works with members of a household to create a home fire escape plan and an emergency kit, and demonstrates how residents should test their home's smoke alarms regularly. Each virtual session will be conducted by phone or video call, and information is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
“On average, home fires kill seven people every single day in the U.S.,” said Kerrin Welsh, Regional Preparedness Manager for the American Red Cross. “That is why it is so important for families to have critical preparedness conversations like those offered through Sound the Alarm.”
Those interested in making an appointment for a free session can:
HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE Every second counts when there’s a home fire. Help protect your family against home fires by taking two simple steps: Practice your two-minute escape drill and test your smoke alarms monthly.
This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from regional partners: Pacific Gas and Electric Company; E. & J. Gallo Winery; and CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer. Visit SoundtheAlarm.org for more information.
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 or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.