Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 1, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada provided aid to 241 people impacted by 47 home fires throughout the month of July. This assistance by our volunteers and staff marks the highest number of people supported and responses to home fires in a single month in over a decade.
The record high temperatures and dry conditions have created heightened risk of fires leading to the Red Cross being called out to home fires on 25 days in July, often more than once a day. Home fire responses stretched across Southern Nevada including Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Pahrump. So far this year, the Red Cross has responded to more than 200 home fires and helped nearly 900 people in Southern Nevada.
Trained Red Cross volunteers helped people with temporary housing, meals, health services, disaster mental health services, financial assistance and information about recovery planning. “The record-number of home fire responses highlight the indispensable support provided by our volunteers to those in need,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “The willingness of our volunteers to dedicate their time to serving the community and offering compassion and care to those affected by home fires truly serves as a lifeline for the displaced residents.”
Supporting your community
Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, often leaving families in urgent need of support. Flanigan highlighted the pivotal role of the specialized Disaster Action Team volunteers, trained to provide emotional comfort, access to financial aid and essential guidance in times of crisis to aid families in their recovery. She noted, “The presence of the Red Cross and its volunteers is instrumental in ensuring that displaced locals receive the critical support they require.”
Additional Disaster Action Team volunteers are needed in Clark County to ensure that there is always someone ready to answer the call when a disaster strikes. After initial training, Red Cross disaster volunteers are prepared to respond to local emergencies, like home fires, offering immediate support on-site or remotely. With experience and additional training, volunteers can deploy to major emergencies or disasters locally and nationwide. Explore volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/DAT.
“Just knowing that someone is there to lend a helping hand during trying times provides the needed flicker of hope for our neighbors,” Flanigan said. “Please join us by volunteering to help those in need and ensure no one in Southern Nevada faces life’s emergencies alone.”
Empowering communities with fire safety
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada. During the home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners share information on home fire safety, fire prevention strategies, actions to take during a fire and guidance creating evacuation plans for all occupants, including pets.
Home fire campaign saves lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save over 2,100 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign and how 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.