Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada and Clark County Fire Department will join with volunteers Saturday, May 14, to install about 225 free smoke alarms in Clark County homes. The effort will also arm residents with information that can make a difference in case of a home fire.
Volunteers and firefighters will kick off the event starting at 8 a.m. at the parking lot of the Lowes at 2465 N. Nellis Blvd. “Our goal is to save lives,” said John Steinbeck, Clark County Fire Department Chief. “As firefighters, we know that having a home smoke alarm can cut the risk of dying in fire by half. That’s why we want to make sure every home in Clark County has a working smoke alarm.”
Sound the Alarm is a national Red Cross initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms in May with partners in more than 50 at-risk communities across the country. Sound the Alarm events are a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save 1,275 lives since launching in October 2014, according to Red Cross data.
“Last year in Clark County, Red Cross staff and volunteers helped more than 1,200 people whose homes were destroyed or damaged by fire,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire or that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years. Taking action with this knowledge can be the difference between survival and tragedy.”
Red Cross volunteers and staff often respond to home fires, which can leave a family devastated and in need of immediate assistance – and are the nation’s most frequent disaster. “Our Disaster Action Team members provide emotional support, access to financial assistance, and valuable information to help families begin to recover,” Flanigan said.
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners will also share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.
Volunteers are always needed to help install smoke alarms and share fire safety information with families. No prior experience is needed, and training is provided. Those interested can register at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross
