Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 3, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada wants to make everyone safer this weekend and it only takes a few minutes. When daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 5, the inaugural Nevada Turn and Test November begins, encouraging Nevadans to use some of that extra hour gained to test smoke alarms and replace batteries.
Home fires are unexpected disasters, but last year alone, there were more than 325,000 home fires nationwide. These fires resulted in over 2,600 deaths and about 11,000 injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. “Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a home fire,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter. “Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.”
Given the significance of working smoke alarms, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada has dedicated the entire month to ‘Nevada Turn and Test November.’ It is to remind those who may not be able to test smoke alarms and replace batteries on Sunday. Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home and replaced every 10 years. “Working smoke alarms can mean the difference between escaping a home fire unharmed and facing a tragedy,” Flanigan said.
Preparing for a home fire
Fire officials agree that a fire can spread rapidly through a home, leaving families two minutes or less to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. When checking your smoke alarms, also ensure that an escape plan is in place for everyone in the home and practice it.
Too many home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. To combat this, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada collaborates with community partners to provide free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education. “Our staff and volunteers are trained to educate families on how to evacuate safely if a fire breaks out in their home,” Flanigan said.
Residents seeking fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners will also share information on home fires, prevention strategies, actions to take if a fire starts and how to establish an escape plan.
“If you can't afford a smoke alarm or are physically unable to install one or check its batteries, contact the Red Cross of Southern Nevada. We may be able to assist,” Flanigan said. “‘Nevada Turn and Test November’ serves as an important reminder to practice your two-minute home fire escape drill and test your smoke alarms.”
Aiding Nevadans affected by home fires
Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers and staff frequently respond to home fires, which can leave families in need of immediate assistance. Home fires are the nation’s most common disaster. Last year, Red Cross of Southern Nevada Disaster volunteers and staff responded to more than 400 home fires and assisted over 1,200 Nevadans, providing emotional support, financial assistance access and valuable information to help families begin recovery.
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.