Helping Illinois Residents Prepare and Protect Against Home Fires with Chicago Red Cross

Nov 11, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Helping Illinois residents prepare and protect against home fires with Chicago …

In the United States, seven people are killed each day in a home fire – more than any other natural disaster, according to statistics from the American Red Cross. No matter where or how you live, a home fire can happen to anyone. With disaster preparedness as one of our three areas of focus, we’re dedicated to helping the communities where we live and work prepare today for the unforeseen events of tomorrow.

Armed with this mission, this November we're partnering with the American Red Cross to help Evanston, Ill. residents live smart by donating smoke alarms for area homes. In addition to donating the alarms, Astellas employee volunteers and their families will install the devices and canvass Evanston neighborhoods to promote fire prevention education during a community-wide event on Nov. 12.

To date, we've proudly donated funds to purchase more than 23,000 smoke alarms, helping 9,200 families in Chicago be more prepared for fires over the past seven years. And our commitment doesn’t end there. In addition to the Foundation's efforts, Astellas is helping employees increase their impact, by matching dollar-for-dollar employee donations to the Red Cross program through its StarGIVING Matching Gifts Program.

We appreciate Astellas employees, their families and other volunteers who are dedicated to preparing our communities to join us, the American Red Cross and the Evanston Fire Department to install smoke alarms in residents’ homes in Evanston. To sign up, or make a donation to the American Red Cross, please click here.

What: Volunteer with Astellas USA Foundation, American Red Cross and Evanston Fire Department to install smoke alarms and provide fire safety to Illinois residents
When: Saturday, November 12, 2016, 10:00am - 3:00pm CST
Where: 1817 Washington St., Evanston, IL 60201
Who: Astellas employees, family members or other volunteers dedicated to preparing local communities before disaster strikes.
*Please note, all volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Register: Contact Katy O’Shea, Disaster Program Manager at Kathleen.Oshea@redcross.org or (630-414-7658) to sign up to volunteer. Tools will be provided onsite.

We hope to see you on November 12 to join us in our journey to help communities live smart and face the future with confidence.