Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
Lily.McCormick@redcross.org | 385-584-7610
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 29, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is teaming up with the Las Vegas Deaf Seniors (LVDS) to promote fire safety and preparedness for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. On Saturday, Jan. 31, Red Cross volunteers and staff will visit nearly 30 homes to install specialized safety devices, including bed shakers, strobe alarms, and smoke alarms, to help protect residents in the event of a fire.
Bed shakers are small vibrating devices placed under a mattress that connect to an alarm clock or smoke detector, waking individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing by shaking the bed. Strobe alarms use bright, flashing lights to alert residents to danger. These tools are critical for ensuring that everyone, regardless of hearing ability, can respond quickly in an emergency.
“This partnership shows the power of communities coming together to protect one another,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Every family deserves to feel safe in their home, and we’re honored to provide these lifesaving tools and resources to help make that a reality.”
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada and LVDS have built a strong partnership focused on delivering fire preparedness presentations tailored to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This effort reflects the Red Cross’s ongoing commitment to ensuring fire safety resources are accessible to everyone.
Free Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety Resources
To help Nevada families stay safe, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada provides free smoke alarms, installation and fire safety education. Residents can schedule a free home visit at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada.
During each visit, trained Red Cross volunteers and community partners install smoke alarms and share fire safety information, helping families create personalized evacuation plans for everyone in the household, including pets.
Red Cross Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives
Since launching in 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has helped save more than 2,550 lives nationwide through fire safety education, home escape planning and smoke alarm installations. In 2025 alone, Red Cross volunteers in Southern Nevada installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms to help protect families across the region. To learn more about the Home Fire Campaign or to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
About Las Vegas Deaf Seniors
Las Vegas Deaf Seniors is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Deaf seniors throughout the greater Las Vegas area. The organization advances its mission through education, advocacy and services that celebrate Deaf culture and language while empowering seniors to advocate for themselves and raising awareness of their needs within the broader community. To learn more, visit LasVegasDeafSeniors.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
