Tampa, FL – Amscot Financial has contributed $100,000 to the American Red Cross Central Florida Region to support the organization’s life-saving Home Fire Campaign.
“Safety has always been high on our priority list,” says Ian MacKechnie, Amscot’s founder and CEO. “We’re glad to support a campaign that arms people with the tools and education they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
National in its reach, the fire safety campaign was first launched by the American Red Cross in October of 2014. As of February 17, 2016 the campaign has reportedly saved 69 lives thanks to smoke alarm installations. The American Red Cross’ long-term goal is to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by home fires by as much as 25 percent across the U.S by the year 2020.
On average, seven people die each day from a home fire, and at least 36 people suffer injuries. But the impact of fire has severe financial repercussions too – causing $7 billion in property damage annually. The American Red Cross seeks to lower all these numbers substantially, and it appears to be on its way towards doing so. Additional campaign statistics as of December 31, 2015 report the following:
- Documented saved lives: 69*
- Smoke alarms installed: 239,000 - 3,911 in the Central Florida Region
- In-home visits: 111,000
- People served: 305,000 – 4,205 in the Central Florida Region
- Youth reached: 417,000
- Coalition partners engaged: 2,400
- Escape plans created: 91,000
- Smoke alarm batteries replaced: 22,500
*As of February 17, 2016
How does the campaign work? The American Red Cross starts by partnering with local fire departments to canvass at-risk neighborhoods. Not only do they install smoke alarms and replace batteries, they educate each family by reviewing a fire safety strategy and a home hazard checklist. They also help each family create an escape plan.
“Amscot’s financial contribution enables us to extend the reach of our Home Fire Campaign so that we can save lives and strengthen communities,” says Linda Jorge Carbone, Regional CEO of the Central Florida American Red Cross.
*Source: American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign Data and Reports. More information available upon request.
About Amscot Financial:
Founded in 1989, Amscot Financial employs close to 2,000 associates who work at the company’s retail branches and at the company’s corporate headquarters in Tampa. The company operates branches in 20 Florida counties with retail locations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, Sarasota, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, Brevard, Marion, Citrus, Flagler, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent 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, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.