Lowe's, Red Cross team up for safety fair

Lowe's Home Improvement Center and the American Red Cross are joining forces to create a home safety fair in Carson City as part of the national Pledge to Prepare program.

Also sponsored by fire safety product maker Kidde and Nick Jr. Family Magazine, the program educates families about fires and other home emergencies.

Sierra Pacific Power, the Carson City Sheriff's Department volunteers, United Blood Services and other groups will have booths in the parking lot at Lowe's from noon until 3 p.m. Saturday. Fire department mascot Sparky the Dog and Wienerschnitzel's Hot Dog Man will also be on hand.

"This is a grass-roots effort. You're seeing homeland security coming out to the streets," said Carson City Lowe's spokeswoman Jo Misuraca.

She has been organizing the local event for two months. Her store is one of 950 across the nation participating.

The plan encourages people to practice fire evacuations, install smoke alarms and test their batteries monthly, and build a disaster supplies kit that includes first-aid items, food, water and a flashlight.

"It's not meant to cause fear -it's meant eliminate fear by making people more prepared," Misuraca said.

The national program includes pledges for adults and children which can be signed on the Web at www.pledgetoprepare.com. Lowe's employees will also take the program to local schools.

"A few of the associates are putting together a puppet show to take it to the elementary schools because we know if we take it to the kids, it'll get into the homes," Misuraca said.

She and another Carson Lowe's employee will do a quick plug on KPTL AM 1300 on Scott Gahagen's show at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

Lowe's is also doing a monthlong fund-raising campaign for the Red Cross.

Through April 30, customers can donate to the local chapter at Lowe's cash registers or online. Lowe's and Kidde will match up to $100,000 of the customer donations.

While Pledge to Prepare is described in press releases as a "public service campaign," Misuraca admits it will also benefit her company.

"Remember, we have products that people can purchase to prepare for these emergencies," she said.

If you go

What: Pledge to

Prepare home

safety fair

When: Noon until

3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Lowe's

parking lot, 430 Fairview Drive

On the Net: www.pledgetoprepare.com

Contact Karl Horeis at khoreis@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.