Home fires in Rhode Island have increased 40% compared to this time last year. That's why the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is joining with the American Red Cross in a program to prevent home fires. Sound the Alarm Prepare-a-thon is a volunteer effort to educate communities about how people can better prepare themselves and their loves ones.
"Home fires have become more frequent during COVID-19 because more families are staying home," says Marc Pappas, Director, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. "In a home fire, you only have two minutes to escape. The best way to survive a home fire is to prevent it in the first place. It's critical that we help our neighbors protect themselves."
"Sound the Alarm Prepare-a-thon does just that," says Susan Roberts, Executive Director, American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter.