RENO, NV (May 27, 2019) The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada has helped to make 117 homes safer through the installation of 331 smoke alarms to promote home fire safety. Volunteers teamed-up to install alarms in targeted installation events held in Reno and Winnemucca. “We’re thrilled with the response we received from the community,” said Zanny Marsh, executive director of the Northern Nevada chapter. “Many homes had no smoke alarms or had non-working alarms. Our volunteers not only installed alarms but also discussed fire safety that included drawing up evacuation plans. Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 50% so this is truly lifesaving work making a difference in our community,” she added.

Marsh explained that while the Sound the Alarm campaign is an annual event, the Red Cross installs free smoke alarms throughout the year as part of its ongoing Home Fire Campaign. There is no obligation required. To schedule an installation appointment call 775-954-1185.

Assisting in the events were volunteers and partners from the following organizations: Charter Communications, US Bank, the UNR and TMCC Red Cross Clubs, Nevada State Fire Marshall, Southwest Gas, Project Hero, Seventh-day Adventist and LDS churches, Reno Fire Department, and Sparky the fire dog, official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association.

About the Sound the Alarm campaign

The annual Sound the Alarm event is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, launched in 2014 to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries nationwide. Through the campaign Red Cross volunteers and partners across the country install 100,000 free smoke alarms in communities at high risk for fires

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.