Media contact: Cass Bonfiglio
American Red Cross of Northern Nevada
Cass.Bonfiglio@redcross.org | 704-577-1808
RENO, Nev. (June 6, 2024) – As summer brings high temperatures and dry weather to Northern and Rural Nevada, the risk for more home fires and wildfires increases. The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada encourages residents to take steps to prepare, whether safeguarding against home fires or fortifying properties against wildfires.
Last month, Northern Nevada Red Cross volunteers and staff responded to nearly 20 home fires helping more than 65 residents from across the region, including people from Yerington, Sparks, Reno, Carson City, Elko and Wendover. “One of the simplest ways to safeguard your home and family is to ensure you have working smoke alarms,” said Tiandra Rushing, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter.
Empowering communities with fire safety
In response to the ongoing threat of home fires, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada continues working with community partners to provide free smoke alarms and fire safety education. “We're equipping families with the knowledge they need to evacuate safely in case of a home fire,” Rushing said.
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada or by calling 775-954-1185. Please provide your name, address, zip code and phone number. During the visit, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on home fires, fire prevention strategies, actions to take during a fire and help create evacuation plans for all occupants, including pets.
Wildfires: A reality in Northern Nevada
For people living in wildfire-prone regions or wildland-urban interface zone susceptible to wildfires, the convergence of summer's heat, wind and fire poses a substantial threat. Collaborating with community partners, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada offers homeowners assistance in wildfire prevention through Wildfire Preparedness Education Visits. These visits, conducted by trained volunteer teams, assess exterior home measures to establish defensible spaces, crucial for protecting homes and occupants during wildfires.
Emergencies can impact any neighborhood or rural area. Preparing and knowing how to respond to a wildfire can mean the difference between life and death. Take action now. Wildfire Preparedness Education Visits are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 775-954-1195 or registering at Prepare4Wildfire.live.
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.