Media contact: Cass Bonfiglio
Red Cross of Northern Nevada
Cass.bonfiglio@redcross.org | 704-577-1808
RENO, Nev. (Dec. 22, 2025) — As the holiday season winds down and last-minute shoppers scramble to find meaningful gifts, the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is offering a unique and lifesaving option. The Red Cross is giving the gift of preparedness by providing free smoke alarms, installation and fire safety information to help families stay safe during the winter months, when home fire risks are highest.
“House fires are one of the most common disasters we respond to, and having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “This program is about giving families peace of mind and ensuring they’re prepared for emergencies, especially during the holiday season when fire risks can increase.”
Free Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety Resources
To help Nevada families stay safe, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada is offering free smoke alarms, installation services and fire safety education. Residents can schedule a free home visit at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada or call the Red Cross of Northern Nevada at 775-954-1185.
During free home visits, Red Cross volunteers and partners provide smoke alarm installation, fire safety resources and valuable guidance on fire prevention strategies. They assist families in creating evacuation plans for all household members, including pets.
“Most people don’t realize they may have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire,” Posson said. “Having a plan and working smoke alarms can make all the difference.”
The Importance of Working Smoke Alarms
Home fires claim thousands of lives each year. Nationwide, over 325,000 home fires occurred last year, resulting in more than 2,600 deaths and 11,000 injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This year, Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers have responded to over 80 home fires, providing critical support to nearly 250 people. In 2024, our volunteers responded to nearly 100 home fires, assisting over 325 residents.
Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60%, yet many homes lack this critical protection. “Most home fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms,” Posson explained. “This holiday season, take a few minutes to test your alarms, replace old batteries and ensure alarms are installed on every level of your home.”
Red Cross Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives Since
The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has been a cornerstone of fire prevention efforts since its launch in 2014, saving more than 2,500 lives nationwide through education, escape planning and smoke alarm installation. Last year, Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers installed more than 1,200 free smoke alarms.
To learn more about the Home Fire Campaign or to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
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.
