Red Cross Receives Fire Prevention Support from Bank of America

DETROIT – The American Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year – and the majority are home fires. The Red Cross Michigan Region has received a sponsorship from Bank of America to support ongoing disaster and home fire relief efforts as well as the Home Fire Campaign, a program aimed at installing free smoke alarms and sharing fire safety information in at-risk communities.

Home fires, the nation’s most frequent disaster, persisted during the pandemic. Since March 2020, the Red Cross has responded to more than 2,800 home fires in Michigan alone, providing immediate relief to more than 12,000 individuals. Red Cross volunteers continue to respond to home fires to provide emotional support, help families find a place to stay and assist with their recovery.

“When a disaster or home fire strikes, people’s lives change in an instant,” said Red Cross Michigan Region CEO Mary Lynn Foster. “Thanks to the generous support of organizations like Bank of America, we can work to prevent tragedies through the installation of smoke alarms as well as provide relief to those impacted by disasters and home fires.”

Home fires take seven lives a day in the U.S., but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. That’s why the Red Cross not only responds to help home fire victims, but installs free smoke alarms and shares fire safety information. Funds provided by Bank of America will not only provide immediate relief to disaster and home fire victims but will also support the purchase of smoke alarms.

The sponsorship is part of Bank of America's philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Organizations are selected for their commitment to economic mobility addressing basic needs, workforce development and community development.

“Working smoke detectors save lives,” said Matt Elliott, President, Bank of America Michigan. “We’re pleased to support the efforts of the American Red Cross who work diligently to help prevent the tragedies that can occur with house fires.”

About Bank of America

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

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About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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, pleasevisit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.