Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 5, 2023) — American Red Cross of Southern Nevada staff and volunteers responded to an apartment fire in Las Vegas Saturday. They are currently providing crucial aid and support to more than 50 residents who have been displaced, ensuring their immediate needs are met, including a safe place to stay tonight.
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue was called to a blaze at an apartment complex on S. Valley View Boulevard, located between Sahara Avenue and Desert Inn Road, at approximately 3:15 p.m. The fire damaged or destroyed eight apartments, leaving 15 adults and 19 children displaced. An additional eight apartments were evacuated, and 17 residents assisted as their units were without access to electricity and gas, according to fire officials.
Displaced families are being offered assistance with essential items such as temporary shelter, food, clothing, personal care items, and in some cases, financial support. "Our dedicated volunteers are currently providing emotional support and addressing emergency needs for the families,” Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Red Cross caseworkers will continue to work with the families in the days and weeks ahead to help them get back on their feet with recovery guidance and support."
Home fires are one of the most common disasters nationwide, often leaving families devastated and in urgent need of support. "Our trained Disaster Action Team volunteers provide emotional support, access to financial assistance and valuable information during times of crisis to help families begin to recover,” Flanigan said. “Last year alone, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada responded to nearly 300 home fires, providing aid to over 1,200 residents. Without the efforts of our volunteers, these families may not have received the assistance they so desperately needed."
Protect your home from fire. Get free smoke alarms and fire safety education.
To help prevent home fires, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Red Cross' free smoke alarm installation program and fire safety education. Those interested can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada to schedule an appointment. During a brief 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers will also provide valuable information on fire prevention, actions to take during a fire, and how to create an effective escape plan.
“Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire and that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” Flanigan said. “Taking action with this knowledge can be the difference between survival and tragedy.”
Join the Disaster Action Team volunteers
After initial training, volunteers can take shifts that may include responding to emergencies within two hours, either on the scene or coordinating remotely to provide immediate compassion and care. With experience and further training, volunteers can take on leadership and coordination roles to have a wider impact and be eligible for deployment to large scale emergencies/disasters in Nevada and other parts of the country. To learn more, visit redcross.org/DAT.
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.