Generous donation to support smoke alarm installations and fire prevention education
The American Red Cross of Utah announced a $10,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation, intended to enhance the nonprofit’s ongoing Home Fire Campaign in Utah. This generous donation will support the installation of free smoke alarms and strengthen community preparedness initiatives.
“We’re proud to work with the Red Cross of Utah to support its Home Fire Campaign and enhance efforts to keep families safe from home fires and strengthen at-risk communities,” said Pamela Maxwell, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank.
The Red Cross of Utah frequently responds to home fires, the nation’s most common disaster, which can leave families devastated and in urgent need of assistance. “Last year, our team installed nearly 600 free smoke alarms in homes across Utah,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah & Southwest Wyoming Chapter. “The generous support from the U.S. Bank Foundation ensures we can continue this critical work.”
U.S. Bank is also a committed participant in the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, providing national funding annually to ensure that the Red Cross can swiftly initiate disaster relief efforts.
Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives
Many people are unaware that we only have about two minutes to escape a home fire. Through the Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross is empowering families to take quick action. “A working smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death in a home fire,” Smauldon said. “Our collaboration with the U.S. Bank Foundation helps ensure that the residents of Utah, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to these vital smoke alarms.”
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save over 2,150 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. For more information about the campaign and how to can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. Tragically, home fires claim seven lives daily in the U.S., often in homes lacking working smoke alarms.
Free Smoke Alarm Program
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners will also provide important information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp, with more than 70,000 employees and $680 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank. Learn more at usbank.com/about.
