Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 17, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada and Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, alongside volunteers, will join forces on Saturday, Oct. 19, to install over 1,000 free smoke alarms in more than 300 Las Vegas homes. Sound the Alarm events help equip residents with essential fire safety equipment and information that can be lifesaving during a home fire.
Firefighters and more than 150 volunteers will gather at 8:30 a.m. at the Lowe’s parking lot, located at 6050 W. Craig Rd., Las Vegas, and then go into the nearby neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms. “Our goal is to save lives,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “We know having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of fire fatalities by half. That’s why we are committed to ensuring every home in Las Vegas has working smoke alarms.”
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada’s Sound the Alarm event is made possible through partnerships with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, Lowe’s, Southwest Gas, Paul Davis Restoration, Arizona College of Nursing, Leadership Las Vegas, Starbucks and dedicated volunteers.
Empowering Communities with Fire Safety
This year, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada staff and volunteers have responded to nearly 250 home fires, assisting about 1,100 people. Last year, the team supported about 1,200 residents affected by nearly 300 home fires and installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms. “One of the simplest ways to protect your home and family is to have working smoke alarms,” Flanigan said.
In response to the ongoing threat of home fires, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada continues working with community partners to provide free smoke alarms and fire safety education. “We’re equipping families with the knowledge they need to evacuate safely in case of a home fire,” Flanigan said.
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada. During home visits, Red Cross volunteers and community partners share crucial information on home fire safety, fire prevention strategies, actions to take during a fire, and guidance on creating evacuation plans for all occupants, including pets. “Many don’t realize they only have about two minutes to escape a home fire and that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” Flanigan noted.
Supporting Your Community
Additional Disaster Action Team volunteers are needed in Clark County to ensure someone is always ready to respond when disaster strikes. After initial training, Red Cross disaster volunteers are prepared to respond to local emergencies, such as home fires, offering immediate support on-site or remotely. With experience and additional training, volunteers can deploy to major emergencies or disasters locally and nationwide. Explore volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/DAT.
Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save over 2,100 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
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 follow us on social media.
