Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (Jan. 27, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada announced today that it has received a $19,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation to support the nonprofit's ongoing Home Fire Campaign in Northern and Rural Nevada to install free smoke alarms and enhance community preparedness.
“We’re proud to partner with the Red Cross of Northern Nevada in supporting its Home Fire Campaign. This initiative bolsters efforts to safeguard families from home fires and strengthen at-risk communities,” said Arturo Pérez, U.S. Bank Community Affairs Manager. “This grant helps address the needs of our communities, particularly those who need it most.”
The Red Cross of Northern Nevada frequently responds to home fires, the nation’s most common disaster, which often leaves families devastated and in immediate need of assistance. “Last year, our team installed over 550 smoke alarms in homes across Northern and Rural Nevada,” said Tiandra Rushing, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “This generous donation from U.S. Bank Foundation will help ensure we can continue this vital work.”
U.S. Bank also is a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, contributing national funds annually to ensure the American Red Cross can immediately implement disaster relief efforts.
Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives
Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire. Through the Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross is equipping families to act swiftly. “A working smoke alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy during a home fire,” Rushing said. “That’s why we're partnering with the U.S. Bank Foundation to help ensure residents of Northern and Rural Nevada, especially the most vulnerable, have access to lifesaving smoke alarms.”
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save over 2,000 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. For more information about the campaign and how to can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. Every day in the U.S., home fires claim seven lives, often in homes without working smoke alarms.
Free Smoke Alarm Program
Residents interested in 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, 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 follow us on social media.
About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp, with more than 70,000 employees and $663 billion in assets as of December 31, 2023, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank. To learn more, please visit the U.S. Bancorp website at usbank.com and click on “About Us.”