Media contact: Cass Bonfiglio
Red Cross of Northern Nevada
Cass.bonfiglio@redcross.org | 704-577-1808

RENO, Nev. (May 2, 2022) – Local residents who don’t have a working smoke alarm can receive a free alarm and installation from the Red Cross of Northern Nevada. This effort is part of a national Red Cross Sound the Alarm initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms in more than 50 at-risk communities across the country in May.

The smoke alarms will be installed by Red Cross volunteers who will also customize evacuation plans and share education information during the installation visit, according to Mary Powell, executive director of the Northern Nevada Chapter.

“Working smoke alarms can double a person's odds of survival,” she explained, "and the Red Cross wants everyone to stay safe. Calling us to order a free smoke alarm is the first step in ensuring that your family has a better chance of surviving a fire.”

Consider these home fire facts:

• On average, seven people die every day from a home fire.
• You have two minutes to escape a burning house.
• Three of every five home-fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms.
• Smoke alarms cut the risk of death from a fire in half.

To request a free smoke alarm, call the Northern Nevada chapter at 775-954-1185, and leave your name, address, zip code, and phone number. This is a free service -- there is no obligation.

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.