More than half a million smoke alarms already installed
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 3, 2016 – The American Red Cross and its partners plan to install a record number of smoke alarms – 45,000 – during the month of October in homes across the country as part of a 5-year ongoing national Home Fire Campaign.
The multi-year campaign kicked off across the country in October of 2014 with a goal to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent. Working with local fire departments and community groups across the United States, the Red Cross is installing smoke alarms in homes in neighborhoods at the highest risk for home fires. In the last two years, more than half a million smoke alarms have been installed as part of the Home Fire Campaign. The installation of 45,000 smoke alarms in October is the largest goal since the onset of the campaign, representing the highest number of smoke alarm installations in a single month.
“Our Red Cross volunteers and terrific partners will be out in communities all across the country during October, installing smoke alarms in high risk areas and teaching families how to prevent a fire in their home,” said Harvey Johnson, senior vice president, Disaster Cycle Services for the Red Cross. “Since the inception of the Home Fire Campaign, our principal goal has been to reduce deaths due to home fires. I am pleased to say that this extremely important campaign is already responsible for saving more than 110 lives, and we are looking forward to further expanding this effort, and helping even more people keep their loved ones safe.”
“There are three simple steps people can take to be prepared for a home fire,” Johnson continued. “First, every family should practice a home fire drill with members of their household to make sure everyone can get out in two minutes. Two, install smoke alarms throughout the home if you have not already done so, and three, smoke alarms should be tested every month to make sure they are working.”
The Home Fire Campaign is made possible through the generosity of hundreds of local partner organizations and volunteers, along with corporate partners Fred Meyer, Kidde, Motorola Solutions Foundation and Nationwide. As of August 31, the Red Cross and 3,600 partners have reached more than 591,000 people through home visits in 7,300 cities and towns all across the country. The Red Cross has also reached more than 581,000 youth through fire safety and preparedness programs.
HOW TO HELP Join the Red Cross effort to save lives, reduce injuries and cut down on needless losses from home fires by making a financial donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800 RED CROSS or texting FIRE to 90999. A gift to Home Fires enables the Red Cross to provide critical services to people impacted by home fires along with the lifesaving tools and information to support prevention efforts.
Learn more about home fire safety at redcross.org, or contact your local Red Cross to find out the location of smoke alarm installation events or to volunteer your time.
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.