Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 2, 2023) — In November, American Red Cross of Utah’s Disaster Action Team responded to 15 home fires, assisting 76 residents with their immediate needs, including making sure they had a safe place to stay. Staff and volunteers responded to home fires across Utah, including American Fork, West Valley City, Salt Lake City and Orem.
“We think this past month illustrates how important these crisis teams are to our community,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “They provide immediate compassion and care when displaced residents need it most.”
Home fires, the nation’s most frequent disaster, can leave a family devastated and in urgent need of help. “Our Disaster Action Team volunteers offer emotional support, access to financial aid and valuable information during crises to aid families in their recovery process,” Ruster added. “Without the Red Cross and its volunteers, the 76 displaced Utah residents might not have received the support they needed.”
Free smoke alarm program continues
Because home fires remain a daily threat, the Red Cross of Utah continues working with community partners to provide free smoke alarm and fire safety education. “Our staff and volunteers equip families with preparedness education so they can evacuate safely if a fire breaks out in their home,” Ruster said.
Last year, Red Cross of Utah Disaster volunteers and staff responded to more than 300 home fires and assisted over 800 Utahns, providing emotional support, financial assistance and access to community resources.
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and creating an escape plan.
Volunteers are always needed to help install smoke alarms and share fire safety information with families. No prior experience is needed – training is provided. Those interested can register at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. Financial donations are also accepted to help members of the community prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires. Go to redcross.org/donate to give.
Home fire campaign saves lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save nearly 2,000 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. Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S., most often in homes without working 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.