American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania

10/11/2025

Fire Prevention Week is coming to an end… but our work doesn't stop here. We're committed to keeping fire safety top of mind and installing free smoke alarms for neighbors in need year-round.

Here are five things you can do right now to help keep your family safe:
✅ Check your smoke alarms each month
✅ Create a home fire escape plan
✅ Practice 2 ways out of every room
✅ Keep exits clear at all times
✅ Talk to your family about what to do in a fire

Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S., but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by HALF. 🚨

10/10/2025

It’s important to find a small way every day to cope with stress. Your mental health matters!

Find ways to relax by doing things that work for you:
- have a family video call
- start a 1,000 piece puzzle
- take a daily walk
- meditate
- do a crossword puzzle
- draw a picture
- organize your closet
- meal prep
- practice yoga
- bake a new recipe
- go for a run
- scrapbook
- clean your car
- garden

10/10/2025

🩸 Donating blood is easier than you think—and it has the power to save lives!

There is no replacement for blood, according to those at the American Red Cross.Because of this, blood donations are crutial, and while in a nationwide blood s

10/09/2025

The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day—phones, tablets, laptops, vacuums, e-bikes, and more. But when damaged or overcharged, they can overheat, catch fire or even explode.

Help keep your family safe from home fires by following these safety tips:
✔️ Charge on hard surfaces—never on your bed, couch, or under a pillow.
✔️ Use only the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
✔️ Avoid overcharging—unplug once it’s full.
✔️ Don’t leave devices charging unattended.
✔️ Recycle batteries responsibly—never toss them in the trash.
If a battery smells odd, leaks, changes shape or color, or makes strange noises—stop using it immediately. If safe, move it away from anything flammable and call 9-1-1.

10/08/2025

When disaster strikes in Pennsylvania, the Red Cross is there.

Your neighbors count on us in their darkest moments: House fires. Floods. Unpredictable emergencies. Your support of our mission brings hope and help to families in need.

$50 = Food and emergency shelter for one person tonight. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, thanks to generous donations from the public.

10/07/2025

🚨 FIRE SAFETY SAVES LIVES: Teach Your Kids How to Escape a Home Fire 🚨

This simple preparation can make all the difference for your family. Create your home fire escape plan today:

🔥 Draw your home's floor plan with 2 exit routes from every room
🔥 Designate a safe meeting spot outside
🔥 Practice your escape plan with kids - make it a game!
🔥 Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like
🔥 Practice crawling low under smoke
🔥 Test door handles for heat before opening

REMEMBER: Get out, stay out, call 911!

10/07/2025

We torched a fully furnished bedroom to answer one question: how fast does fire spread? 🔥 The answer: under 2 minutes. That's all it took for this room to become completely engulfed.

This Fire Prevention Week, make sure you:
- have working smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas
- know two ways to escape from each room in your home
- talk to your family about fire safety and what to do in an emergency

10/06/2025

Red Cross x Allegheny County Emergency Services Fire Prevention Week Press Conference

10/06/2025

It was an ordinary Thursday morning for Catherine and David Truckley – until it wasn’t.

The couple, recently retired and enjoying a slower pace of life in their Verona, Pennsylvania home, suddenly found themselves facing a devastating fire. Catherine had just returned from breakfast with friends when David discovered smoke seeping under their daughter’s bedroom door. Within minutes, the home where their family had built their life since 1989 was filled with flames and heavy smoke.

Catherine managed to rescue her daughter’s dog, but the pet had already been overcome by smoke. Despite her desperate efforts, the dog did not survive.

“It was the most difficult part for me,” Catherine said. “I was heartbroken about the dog.”

While firefighters worked to contain the flames, the Truckleys were left in shock—displaced, grieving and unsure what to do next. That’s when American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers arrived.

“They sat with us, expressing condolences about our daughter’s dog and saying they were going to have a pet bereavement counselor call us," Catherine said. "We didn’t know that such professionals existed, and we were grateful.”

Volunteers provided financial assistance, emergency care kits, help replacing medications and even small but important reminders, like suspending cable and internet service. In the weeks that followed, Red Cross volunteers continued to check in, making sure the Truckleys were getting what they needed to move forward.

Recovery has been, in Catherine’s words, “a process.” She said the Truckley family received overwhelming kindness from their community, church and family which helped them feel a sense of hope again.

“Frankly, I knew the Red Cross helped during natural disasters, but I never gave much thought to what it meant when events happened on a small or local scale,” Catherine said. "I’ve been telling everyone I have a new perspective and grateful appreciation as to what the American Red Cross does.”

While large disasters often dominate headlines, about 175 times a day, Red Cross volunteers support a family like Catherine's affected by a home fire or other local disaster. These smaller emergencies may not get as much attention, but they cause just as much heartache and need for those affected.

10/05/2025

🚨 DOES YOUR HOME HAVE WORKING SMOKE ALARMS?
➡️ Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.

We install *free* smoke alarms for neighbors who need them. Whether you can't afford them, or are unable to install them yourself, reach out to us for an appointment.

Thanks to donations, our services are free and available for everyone in need. ❤️

Welcome to the Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania.

10/05/2025

Blood isn't immediately available for patients after you donate. Every donation undergoes testing & processing before it can help save lives. That’s why a constant, reliable supply of blood donations is so important. Give now so hospitals stand ready: https://rcblood.org/appt