RENO, NV (October 6, 2020) – The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada reminds all residents that Fire Prevention Week is a great time to prepare for any potential disasters, but especially home fires.

“One of the easiest ways to protect your home and family is to make sure that you home has a working smoke alarm” said Mary Powell, executive director of the Northern Nevada chapter. “Our disaster volunteers continue to respond to home fires. Installing a smoke alarm is a big step towards a reduction in injuries, death and destruction of property.”

According to the Red Cross, on a national level every day seven people are killed, and another 36 people suffer injuries because of home fires. A working smoke alarm can be key to saving lives. Just consider these facts:

-On average, seven people die every day from a home fire.

-You have two minutes to escape a burning house.

-Three of every 5 home-fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or alarms not working.

-Smoke alarms cut the risk of death from fire in half.

Powell added that while warm weather may be waning in northern Nevada, the cool fall and winter months can also be deadly for homes without a working smoke alarm. “We see home fires throughout the fall and winter for a variety of reasons, whether it be faulty furnaces, cooking, and issues with holiday lighting. Installation of a smoke alarm is a small investment that pays big when it comes to protecting your family and home,” she said.

About the Northern Nevada Chapter:
The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada serves 13 counties and over 87,000 square miles. Its volunteers respond to disasters both locally and nationally in addition to providing training on CPR and community preparedness. The chapter has served northern Nevada for more than 100 years. The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada receives generous support from the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation. Follow us on social media; @redcrossnevada.