Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LAS VEGAS (May 16, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada staff and volunteers, along with the Clark County Fire Department, installed more than 200 smoke alarms in Northeast Las Vegas mobile home communities this weekend. The effort was part of the national Red Cross Sound the Alarm initiative taking place in more than 50 at-risk communities across the country in May.

“This weekend in Las Vegas, everyone came together to help hundreds of our vulnerable neighbors protect themselves from home fires,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Home fires are a constant threat to our community, and our Sound the Alarm efforts this weekend should make a lasting difference in helping to save lives.”

Armando Rodriguez was among the more than 250 residents who received support during this weekend’s smoke alarm installation event, where Red Cross volunteers and Clark County firefighters also offered general fire safety information.

 “It’s a beautiful service they provide,” said Rodriguez, after Red Cross volunteers installed his free smoke alarms. “They replaced mine because they were very outdated. It’s very beneficial to fixed income people.”

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. These efforts are a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign that 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,” Flanigan said. “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.”

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.

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