Red Cross volunteer Kay Stevens carries her luggage in Murray on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, as she prepares to go to Louisiana to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Red Cross volunteer Matt Davidson walks next to her. (Photo credit: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Red Cross in Utah installed more than 600 free smoke alarms across the state as part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign.
The campaign successfully installed 2.5 million free smoke alarms in households throughout the country. And made 1 million households safer overall through fire safety education.
“We are honored to have partnered with so many fire departments and community groups across the state to help install free smoke alarms,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region.
By creating escape plans and installing free smoke alarms for families, Red Cross has helped save nearly 1,600 lives nationwide since 2014.
“Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire or that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years. Taking action with this knowledge can be the difference between survival and tragedy,” Ruster said.
According to a release from Red Cross, home fires claim several lives in the U.S. every day. Often, these tragedies occur in homes that lack a working fire alarm.
Although some Red Cross programs across the country may be coming to an end, Utah’s is not.
Utah Red Cross will continue working to equip homes with free smoke alarms and provide fire education for families.
“Last year, Red Cross of Utah team members responded to more than 200 home fires and helped more than 800 Utahns, providing emotional support, access to financial assistance, and valuable information to help families begin to recover,” she said.
To schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation, click here.