Local American Red Cross Reaches Milestone in Home Fire Campaign

From American Red Cross - Cascades Region:

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have only two minutes to escape? Our local Red Cross responds to an average of two home fire disasters every day in our region. Through the Home Fire Campaign, the American Red Cross and local partners are helping to reduce the risk of home fire by installing free smoke alarms in homes in need across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Saturday, April 16, Red Cross volunteers will reach a lifesaving milestone in the Home Fire Campaign by installing the 5,000th free smoke alarm in our region. The Home Fire Campaign was initiated in 2014 in an effort to address the single greatest disaster threat to individuals and families throughout the country: home fires. Trained volunteers canvas neighborhoods and respond to appointment requests to install free smoke alarms in homes that need them.

"Every day, we respond to local home fires where a family may have lost everything - in some cases even the life of a loved one," said Amy Shlossman, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region. "The installation of 5,000 smoke alarms in our community is much more than a number; it represents countless potential lives saved and the incredible dedication of our local Red Cross volunteers who are taking action to address the number one local disaster threat to families across Oregon and Southwest Washington."

Volunteer teams will be installing free smoke alarms in homes that need them in the Portland metro area: Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community members who are in need of a smoke alarm are encouraged to make an appointment for a team of trained volunteers to install smoke alarms free of charge.

To make an appointment to have smoke alarm(s) installed in Portland, residents must call (503) 528-5783 or visit Red Cross Cascades Region website. During appointments, volunteers will also review fire safety and home hazard checklists with residents and provide information about creating a fire escape plan.

Volunteers are needed for this lifesaving outreach effort. Individuals, faith-based groups, local businesses and organizations are invited to participate. Training is provided at every event. Online registration is available.

The Red Cross Cascades region responds to an average of two home fires every day. Know what to do before, during and after a home fire. Get informed. Make a plan. Build a kit.