Red Cross volunteers Veronica Block and Jerry Jensen preparing smoke alarm installation supplies.
MIAMI, FLA. (DECEMBER 11, 2021) — Today, the American Red Cross South Florida Region installed 82 smoke alarms across communities in Pahokee, Fla. as part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign.
Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster – and the vast majority of these are home fires. That’s why the Red Cross is bringing awareness to the risk of home fires and the importance of working smoke alarms and preparing a fire escape plan.
Today, during the smoke alarm installation, 12 Red Cross volunteers visited 31 homes and successfully educated 111 residents on the importance of fire safety and the steps they should take in case they experience a home fire.
Launched in 2014, the Home Fire Campaign has installed more than 2.2 million smoke alarms, saving more than 1,148 lives across the country to reduce deaths and injuries from home fires, which take an average of seven lives each day in the U.S.
“Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, and we want to ensure everyone knows to protect themselves and their loved ones from these everyday crises,” said Josett Valdez, Regional CEO of the Red Cross South Florida Region. “We are grateful for the support of our volunteers to help prevent needless fire tragedies.”
TWO MINUTES TO ESCAPE Fire experts agree that people may have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late. As part of the campaign, the Red Cross asks every household to talk with their loved ones about fire safety and take two simple steps: Check your smoke alarms monthly and practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year.
Visit redcross.org/homefires for free fire safety information and resources, including a home fire escape plan to develop and practice with your household.
GET INVOLVED Donations to the Red Cross, in support of the Home Fire Campaign, make it possible to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from home fires every day. To support our lifesaving work, please consider volunteering or making a donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 gift.
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/southflorida or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @SFLRedCross.