Our spotlight this month is on the Red Cross as it is celebrated during the month of March.(1) Let’s look now at the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign(2). Each year, the Red Cross responds to an average of more than 60,000 disasters, the vast majority of which are home fires. So, the Red Cross is setting a goal to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the U.S. by 25 percent. On average:
• 7 people die every day from a home fire, most impacting children and the elderly;
• 36 people suffer injuries as a result of home fires every day; and
• More than $7 billion in property damage occurs every year.
The American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, launched in 2014, has accomplished:
• 1,201 lives have been saved
• 2,281,193 smoke alarms installed
• 966,495 households made safer
• 1,764,119 youth reached through the Home Fire Campaign
The American Red Cross has put together 5 Ways to Get Involved to Save Lives:
1. Get prepared at home. Learn how to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover after a home fire.
2. Teach kids about preparedness. The American Red Cross has age-appropriate preparedness materials which include engaging activities and easy action steps that youth will find both fun and effective.
3. Volunteer to help others. Join your local Red Cross to help families prepare for, respond to, and recover from home fire.
4. Make a donation. Help families prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires.
5. Sound the alarm, save a life. Home fires claim seven lives every day but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. Join the local American Red Cross of Wisconsin for a Sound the Alarm event near you and invite others to fundraise or simply to donate to save lives.
Sources:
1 National Today at www.nationaltoday.com
Next Week: Conclusion
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes. In some instances, this article contains the opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations of the writer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
