American Red Cross Gold Country Region

For over a century, the American Red Cross has been the nation’s premier emergency response organization for those impacted by natural and man-made disasters. However, unlike natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and wildfires, most fires inside the home are preventable. Yet despite this, seven people die from home fires each day in the U.S., many due to deteriorating electrical systems.

To combat this issue, American Red Cross Gold Country Region has partnered with SMUD’s Sustainable Communities to create programs that prevent and aid victims of home fires.

The “Sound the Alarm” initiative provides for smoke alarms to be inspected and replaced within residential dwellings, in addition to helping residents create emergency preparedness kits. The “Home Fire Financial Assistance” program provides financial and support services to fire survivors, including helping to secure housing, which ultimately aids residents to transition back into their daily lives.

Through their partnership with SMUD, the American Red Cross will also offer “Hands Only” CPR training and “Be Red Cross Ready” training to our employees. Because SMUD employees are frequently out in the community, these hands-on training sessions equip them with knowledge of life-saving practices in case of an emergency.

This partnership meets the goals of our Sustainable Communities program - enhancing health equity, implementing community safety and education, and increasing access to community services.