First responders came rushing to the scene, sirens blaring, and shortly after, fire hoses were deployed to extinguish the flames at the Greenville Park Apartments in Las Vegas, NV. Dozens of families had grabbed whatever they could carry and evacuated, facing the New Year likely homeless. But the Red Cross was also there to help.

Red Cross staff and volunteers provided aid to residents who had lived in the fire-affected apartments: 16 people, including a 20-day-old baby. Adriana Mendosa, one of the residents affected, said that when the fire broke out, she had no time to think. “All my family could do was grab what they could and leave the apartment immediately. Thank you. I have a place to stay for the time being thanks to [the Red Cross].”

Through the Red Cross, Adriana and the others received direct financial assistance for lodging, food, clothes and other necessary items. And due to the substantial number of people affected by the fire, the Red Cross also brought in two members of the Disaster Action Team who provided additional care and aid.

“This is the kind of crucial emergency support the Red Cross is known for,” stresses Alan Diskin, executive director of the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We make sure people in devastating situations know they are cared for and have a safe place to stay, in this case, to be able to welcome in 2021.” 


Make fire safety your New Year’s Resolution 


The Red Cross reminds everyone to check that smoke detectors are working and that you have a practiced escape plan, including kids and pets. If you would like more information about home fire safety and preparedness, visit redcross.org/Nevada. It could be the difference between life and death.