Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Red Cross Installs Free Alarms Just In Time For The Holidays. - 11/04/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 

Smoke alarms save lives: Red Cross installs free alarms just in time for the holidays.

Join us this Saturday in Maywood Park and Parkrose Neighborhoods for our National Sound the Alarm event

[Portland, OR November 4, 2025] On November 8, volunteers with the American Red Cross will be installing FREE smoke alarms as part of the Sound the Alarm/Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more 2,500 lives since launching in October 2014.   

“Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire — and that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” says Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Fuentes. “A working smoke alarm can cut your risk of death by half.”

Home fires increase by an average of 30% over the holidays as more people spend time at home and cook for family and friends. On average, Red Cross volunteers in Oregon and SW Washington respond to 120 fires in November and December alone. Now’s the time to make sure alarms are working.

WHAT: Sound the Alarm kickoff with remarks and volunteer training, followed by smoke alarm  

             Installations at homes in the community.  

WHERE:  Prescott Elementary School, 10410 NE Prescott St., Portland OR  

WHEN: November 8, 2025. Welcome rally begins at 9:30 am. Installations start at 10:30 am. 

WHO: Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Funtes

           Red Cross volunteers

           Homeowners   

Sign up for your free smoke alarm at redcross.org/cascades

VISUALS: Volunteers installing smoke alarms and educating local families.  

B-roll. Sample smoke alarm installation can be found here and here.  

                      Background: Learn more about the Sound the Alarm Event HERE 

About Sound the Alarm: 

This Sound the Alarm event is part of a national Red Cross initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms with partners in more than 50 at-risk communities across the country. Sound the Alarm events are a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save 2,508 lives since launching in October 2014, including 24 here in the Cascades Region.   

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. 

American Red Cross Offers Tips To Keep Halloween Safe And Fun - 10/27/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Isabel Anderson
Phone: (206) 640-5388
Email: Isabel.anderson@redcross.org

American Red Cross Offers Tips to Keep Halloween Safe and Fun

[MEDFORD, OCTOBER 27^th] — The tree leaves are changing colors, crisp cool air is filling the evenings, and the spookiest night of the year is right around the corner. As little superheroes, cartoon characters, and ghosts prepare to fill neighborhood streets for trick-or-treat fun, the American Red Cross is sharing simple steps to help families stay safe while enjoying all the thrills of Halloween night.

“Whether you’re out trick-or-treating or welcoming visitors at your door, a few safety precautions can make the evening both fun and worry-free,” said Isabel Anderson, Red Cross Cascades Region Spokesperson. “These tips help ensure everyone gets home safely — with plenty of treats and smiles to show for it.”

Five Spooky Smart Red Cross Tips for a Safe Halloween

1. Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
   • Try using face makeup instead of a mask. Masks can block little one’s view and make it difficult to see.
   • Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
2. Use flame-resistant costumes.
   • Trick-or-treat routes and Halloween parties often include candles, fire pits, and decorative lighting, which can easily ignite long or flowing costumes. Kids’ costumes often have loose sleeves, capes, or tulle skirts, which are more likely to catch fire — so flame resistance adds vital protection.
3. Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
   • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
   • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
   • Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
   • Don’t cross between parked cars.
   • Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.
4. If you’re handing out treats, turn your porch light on and make sure there’s a clear path to your porch.
   • Turn on outdoor lights so trick-or-treaters can avoid any obstacles
5. A grown-up should check the goodies before eating.
   • Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
   • Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
   • Before anyone enjoys their candy haul, adults should inspect all treats and remove any loose candy, open packages, or potential choking hazards. Discard any unfamiliar or unbranded items.

Accidents can happen, even on a fun night out. Download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert first aid advice — available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

With a few simple precautions, families can enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween night filled with laughter, community, and plenty of sweet rewards.

Click here to read more Red Cross Halloween safety tips. 

How is the American Red Cross celebrating Halloween this year? Check out some spooky old footage found that tells you why the Red Cross really wants your blood? 

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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American Red Cross Offers Tips To Keep Halloween Safe And Fun - 10/27/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Isabel Anderson
Phone: (206) 640-5388
Email: Isabel.anderson@redcross.org

American Red Cross Offers Tips to Keep Halloween Safe and Fun

[BEND, OCTOBER 27^th] — The tree leaves are changing colors, crisp cool air is filling the evenings, and the spookiest night of the year is right around the corner. As little superheroes, cartoon characters, and ghosts prepare to fill neighborhood streets for trick-or-treat fun, the American Red Cross is sharing simple steps to help families stay safe while enjoying all the thrills of Halloween night.

“Whether you’re out trick-or-treating or welcoming visitors at your door, a few safety precautions can make the evening both fun and worry-free,” said Isabel Anderson, Red Cross Cascades Region Spokesperson. “These tips help ensure everyone gets home safely — with plenty of treats and smiles to show for it.”

Five Spooky Smart Red Cross Tips for a Safe Halloween

1. Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
   • Try using face makeup instead of a mask. Masks can block little one’s view and make it difficult to see.
   • Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
2. Use flame-resistant costumes.
   • Trick-or-treat routes and Halloween parties often include candles, fire pits, and decorative lighting, which can easily ignite long or flowing costumes. Kids’ costumes often have loose sleeves, capes, or tulle skirts, which are more likely to catch fire — so flame resistance adds vital protection.
3. Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
   • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
   • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
   • Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
   • Don’t cross between parked cars.
   • Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.
4. If you’re handing out treats, turn your porch light on and make sure there’s a clear path to your porch.
   • Turn on outdoor lights so trick-or-treaters can avoid any obstacles
5. A grown-up should check the goodies before eating.
   • Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
   • Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
   • Before anyone enjoys their candy haul, adults should inspect all treats and remove any loose candy, open packages, or potential choking hazards. Discard any unfamiliar or unbranded items.

Accidents can happen, even on a fun night out. Download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert first aid advice — available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

With a few simple precautions, families can enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween night filled with laughter, community, and plenty of sweet rewards.

Click here to read more Red Cross Halloween safety tips. 

How is the American Red Cross celebrating Halloween this year? Check out some spooky old footage found that tells you why the Red Cross really wants your blood? 

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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American Red Cross Offers Tips To Keep Halloween Safe And Fun - 10/27/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Isabel Anderson
Phone: (206) 640-5388
Email: Isabel.anderson@redcross.org

American Red Cross Offers Tips to Keep Halloween Safe and Fun

[EUGENE, OCTOBER 27^th] — The tree leaves are changing colors, crisp cool air is filling the evenings, and the spookiest night of the year is right around the corner. As little superheroes, cartoon characters, and ghosts prepare to fill neighborhood streets for trick-or-treat fun, the American Red Cross is sharing simple steps to help families stay safe while enjoying all the thrills of Halloween night.

“Whether you’re out trick-or-treating or welcoming visitors at your door, a few safety precautions can make the evening both fun and worry-free,” said Isabel Anderson, Red Cross Cascades Region Spokesperson. “These tips help ensure everyone gets home safely — with plenty of treats and smiles to show for it.”

Five Spooky Smart Red Cross Tips for a Safe Halloween

1. Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
   • Try using face makeup instead of a mask. Masks can block little one’s view and make it difficult to see.
   • Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
2. Use flame-resistant costumes.
   • Trick-or-treat routes and Halloween parties often include candles, fire pits, and decorative lighting, which can easily ignite long or flowing costumes. Kids’ costumes often have loose sleeves, capes, or tulle skirts, which are more likely to catch fire — so flame resistance adds vital protection.
3. Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
   • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
   • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
   • Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
   • Don’t cross between parked cars.
   • Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.
4. If you’re handing out treats, turn your porch light on and make sure there’s a clear path to your porch.
   • Turn on outdoor lights so trick-or-treaters can avoid any obstacles
5. A grown-up should check the goodies before eating.
   • Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
   • Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
   • Before anyone enjoys their candy haul, adults should inspect all treats and remove any loose candy, open packages, or potential choking hazards. Discard any unfamiliar or unbranded items.

Accidents can happen, even on a fun night out. Download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert first aid advice — available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

With a few simple precautions, families can enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween night filled with laughter, community, and plenty of sweet rewards.

Click here to read more Red Cross Halloween safety tips. 

How is the American Red Cross celebrating Halloween this year? Check out some spooky old footage found that tells you why the Red Cross really wants your blood? 

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

###

American Red Cross Offers Tips To Keep Halloween Safe And Fun - 10/27/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Isabel Anderson
Phone: (206) 640-5388
Email: Isabel.anderson@redcross.org

American Red Cross Offers Tips to Keep Halloween Safe and Fun

[PORTLAND, OCTOBER 27^th] — The tree leaves are changing colors, crisp cool air is filling the evenings, and the spookiest night of the year is right around the corner. As little superheroes, cartoon characters, and ghosts prepare to fill neighborhood streets for trick-or-treat fun, the American Red Cross is sharing simple steps to help families stay safe while enjoying all the thrills of Halloween night.

“Whether you’re out trick-or-treating or welcoming visitors at your door, a few safety precautions can make the evening both fun and worry-free,” said Isabel Anderson, Red Cross Cascades Region Spokesperson. “These tips help ensure everyone gets home safely — with plenty of treats and smiles to show for it.”

Five Spooky Smart Red Cross Tips for a Safe Halloween

1. Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
   • Try using face makeup instead of a mask. Masks can block little one’s view and make it difficult to see.
   • Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
2. Use flame-resistant costumes.
   • Trick-or-treat routes and Halloween parties often include candles, fire pits, and decorative lighting, which can easily ignite long or flowing costumes. Kids’ costumes often have loose sleeves, capes, or tulle skirts, which are more likely to catch fire — so flame resistance adds vital protection.
3. Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
   • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
   • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
   • Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
   • Don’t cross between parked cars.
   • Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.
4. If you’re handing out treats, turn your porch light on and make sure there’s a clear path to your porch.
   • Turn on outdoor lights so trick-or-treaters can avoid any obstacles
5. A grown-up should check the goodies before eating.
   • Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
   • Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
   • Before anyone enjoys their candy haul, adults should inspect all treats and remove any loose candy, open packages, or potential choking hazards. Discard any unfamiliar or unbranded items.

Accidents can happen, even on a fun night out. Download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert first aid advice — available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

With a few simple precautions, families can enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween night filled with laughter, community, and plenty of sweet rewards.

Click here to read more Red Cross Halloween safety tips. 

How is the American Red Cross celebrating Halloween this year? Check out some spooky old footage found that tells you why the Red Cross really wants your blood? 

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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