Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 20, 2022) — Wells Fargo is presenting a grant for $25,000 to the American Red Cross of Utah on Thursday, and some of its employees are volunteering their time to install smoke alarms in homes of people in need. Both efforts will support the Red Cross mission to help prevent, prepare, and respond to home fires in the state.
“This generous gift from Wells Fargo will stay right here in Utah, allowing the Red Cross to do more for residents when they need it most,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “It will help us continue our lifesaving fire prevention initiatives, such as providing free smoke alarms and installations in vulnerable communities. It’s a valuable donation that will help support people in need.”
On Thursday, a team of Wells Fargo employees will join with Red Cross of Utah Disaster Program staffers and volunteers to install free smoke alarms in the American Heritage Retirement Community in West Valley City and share information with residents about how to prevent home fires, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.
“Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire and that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” said Matt Stevens, Red Cross of Utah’s Disaster Officer. “Acting on this knowledge can mean the difference between survival and tragedy,” he said. “We are fortunate that Wells Fargo employees are willing to donate their time to help make homes safer in Utah.”
For decades, Wells Fargo and its employees have helped the Red Cross prepare for and respond to domestic and international disasters through financial donations and employee engagement. “Wells Fargo has provided more than $28 million in financial support to the Red Cross since 1989,” said Ruster. “In addition, Wells Fargo’s team members have generously donated their time and energy as volunteers, providing hands-on assistance with programs such as Sound the Alarm.”
Red Cross volunteers and staff often respond to home fires, which are the nation’s most frequent disaster, said Stevens. “A home fire can leave a family devastated and in need of immediate assistance,” he said. “We provide emotional support, access to financial assistance, and valuable information to help families begin to recover.”
Help protect your home from fire
Go to SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on how to prevent home fires, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.
How to help others
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 appreciated to help members of the community prevent and recover from home fires.
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.
