THE FOLLOWING IS AN AMERICAN RED CROSS RELEASE
Red Cross Encourages Community to Test Smoke Alarms, Practice Escape Plans
October 2, 2023 — Red Cross volunteers assisted 16 people affected by six home fires in Champaign, Hoopeston, Peoria, and Metamora during the past week.
The Red Cross emergency financial assistance, food, relief items like toiletries, health and mental health services, and one-on-one support to connect people to available recovery assistance.
“Our hearts go out to our neighbors who were impacted by these fires,” said Mark Thomas, Interim CEO of the Red Cross Illinois Region. “Because these disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, please help stay safe by testing your smoke alarms each month and practicing your home fire escape plan until everyone in your household can escape in two minutes or less.”
For home fire safety resources and tips, visit redcross.org/fire or download the free Red Cross Emergency App (search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps).
OUR CAMPAIGN TO #ENDHOMEFIRES Home fires take seven lives each day in the U.S., most often in homes without working smoke alarms. That’s why the Red Cross is working with partners to install free smoke alarms in high-risk communities and help families create escape plans through its Home Fire Campaign — which has saved at least 1,928 lives across the country since launching in October 2014. In Illinois, Red Cross volunteers and local partners have installed more than 4,300 free smoke alarms making hundreds of households safer from the threat of home fires.
BLOOD SHORTAGE CONTINUES The American Red Cross continues to face a national blood and platelet shortage and asks the public to book a time to give as soon as possible to ensure patients across the country continue receiving critical medical care. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially platelet donors and type O blood donors.
The fall disaster season remains unpredictable. By making an appointment to give in October, donors can help ensure patients across the country keep receiving vital treatment, even if hurricanes and severe weather disrupt the ability to collect blood and platelets.
Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
