Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 2, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is committed to making the community safer this weekend, and it only takes a few minutes. As daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 3, the second annual Nevada Turn and Test November begins, encouraging Nevadans to spend part of the extra hour gained by testing smoke alarms and replacing batteries.
Home fires are unexpected and devastating disasters. Last year alone, there were more than 325,000 home fires nationwide, resulting in over 2,600 deaths and about 11,000 injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “One of the simplest ways to protect your home and family is to have working smoke alarms,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter.
Given the significance of working smoke alarms, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada has dedicated the entire month to Nevada Turn and Test November. This initiative serves as a reminder for those who may not be able to test smoke alarms and replace batteries on Sunday. “Working smoke alarms can mean the difference between escaping a home fire unharmed and facing a tragedy,” Flanigan said. She noted that smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and replaced every 10 years.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
According to the latest “Smoke Alarms in the U.S.” report from the NFPA, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60 percent. Unfortunately, the majority of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms. “Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a home fire. Make sure the smoke alarms in your home are working,” Flanigan said.
To address 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. 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 vital information on home fire safety, prevention strategies, actions to take during a fire, and guidance on creating evacuation plans for all occupants, including pets. “Most people 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 said. “Equipping yourself with this knowledge can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.”
Supporting Nevadans Affected by Home Fires
Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers and staff frequently respond to home fires, providing immediate assistance to affected families. Home fires are the nation’s most common disaster. This year, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada staff and volunteers have responded to nearly 250 home fires, aiding about 1,100 people by offering emotional support, financial assistance and valuable recovery information. Last year, our team supported almost 1,200 residents affected by nearly 300 home fires and installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms.
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.
