Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (June 19, 2022) — American Red Cross of Southern Nevada staff and volunteers are continuing to assist the more than 100 residents affected by Sunday’s massive downtown fire. Ongoing community support will be provided through Wednesday, June 22, at an assistance center located at Hollingsworth STEM Academy elementary school, 1766 E. Ogden Ave., also the site of the evacuation center.
Las Vegas Fire officials said at least 10 buildings were either damaged or destroyed by the 4-alarm fire early Sunday. Residents were forced to flee their homes and were provided shelter at an evacuation center set up at the nearby Hollingsworth school. More than 140 firefighters from Las Vegas, Clark County, and North Las Vegas fire departments responded to battle the blaze, fire officials said.
The Red Cross announced that those in need of assistance will receive help with essentials, such as temporary lodging, food, clothing, and personal care/health items. “Our volunteers are meeting with displaced families to provide emergency needs and emotional support,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “And Red Cross caseworkers will continue to work with the families in the days and weeks ahead, offering recovery guidance and support to help them get back on their feet."
The Red Cross assistance center will remain open at the Hollingsworth elementary school, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday, June 20, through Wednesday, June 22. Assistance is also available anytime by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. “Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing, emotionally draining, and complicated process,” said Flanigan. “Red Cross caseworkers are trained to help people create recovery plans and connect people with the services and resources they need.”
Disasters such as Sunday’s massive fire create more needs than any one organization can support. “The Red Cross is working closely with the entire response community – government agencies, other non-profit groups, faith-based organizations, area businesses and others – to coordinate relief and recovery efforts,” Flanigan said.
Red Cross volunteers and staff often respond to home fires, which are the nation’s most frequent disaster and can leave a family devastated and in need of immediate assistance. Disaster Action Team members provide emotional support, access to financial assistance, and valuable information to help families begin to recover.
How to prepare yourself
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.
“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.”
How to help others
Volunteers are always needed to help install smoke alarms and share fire safety information with families. No prior experience is needed — training is provided. Those interested can register at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada.
Financial donations are also accepted to help members of the community prepare for, respond to, and recover from home fires.
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.