Media contact: Cass Bonfiglio
American Red Cross of Northern Nevada
cass.bonfiglio@redcross.org | 704-577-1808
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 2, 2023) — Throughout National Preparedness Month, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada urges residents to be prepared for emergencies that can impact their families, homes and communities. By having a plan, building an emergency kit and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward avoiding injuries and saving lives.
One simple way to protect your home and family is to request a free smoke alarm installation from the Red Cross. Consider these fire facts:
- Smoke alarms reduce the risk of death from a home fire by half.
- Home fires cause over $7 billion in property damage annually.
- Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries.
- In the event of a burning house, you may have just two minutes to escape.
- Three out of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms.
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can contact the Red Cross at 775-954-1185 to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers will share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.
Red Cross online preparedness tools
National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder to review the free online learning tools offered by the Red Cross to help prepare for disasters and emergencies.
- Be Red Cross Ready. Residents can prepare for emergencies through the Be Red Cross Ready program. This disaster preparedness training equips families with the necessary skills to evacuate safely during home fires, emergencies or disasters. Participants learn about creating emergency kits, making evacuation plans and staying informed. Learn more about Be Red Cross Ready at redcross.org/prepare.
- The Ready Rating program is a free, self-guided resource that assists businesses and organizations in improving their emergency preparedness. By completing a Ready Rating or Ready Advance assessment, participants gain access to tools, tips and best practices to enhance preparedness. Visit readyrating.org for additional information.
- Help Children Prepare. Discussing emergency preparedness with your kids is crucial as disasters can be frightening for them. Teach them about common emergencies, safety measures and what to expect. The Red Cross offers free programs and tools at redcross.org/YouthPrep.
- First Aid Help. The Red Cross First Aid app gives instant access to information on how to handle common injuries and provides steps for more serious situations like performing lifesaving CPR. Download the free app by searching “American Red Cross” in the app store or at redcross.org/apps. Enhance your first aid and CPR skills by enrolling in a course at redcross.org/takeaclass.
- Include Pets in Your Emergency Plan. During emergencies, your pets rely on you for their safety and well-being. Ensure that your family's disaster plans also account for your pets. Learn how to prepare your pets for evacuation and recovery during an emergency at redcross.org/pets.
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.
