Red Cross Urges Fire Safety as National Fire Prevention Week Begins

Time for people to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their homes

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During National Fire Prevention Week the American Red Cross is urging everyone to help save lives by making sure their home is protected by smoke alarms.

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People who do not have smoke alarms in their home should take the time to have them installed. Those who already have smoke alarms should make sure they have been properly maintained and updated during the 88th National Fire Prevention Week being observed October 3-9.  

"The biggest disaster threat to families isn't a flood or hurricane; it's fire," said Joe Becker, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. "The Red Cross responds to thousands of local fires throughout the country every year. During a fire, every second counts. People should take simple steps now, like installing smoke alarms and having an escape plan in case they need to leave their home at a moment's notice."

Smoke alarms provide a few minutes of advance warning in the event of a home fire, and that extra time can save lives. The alarms should be installed on every level of the home, as well as inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas of the home. They should also be tested once a month by pushing the test button, and batteries should be replaced annually.

Other smoke alarm safety recommendations include:

• Installing a new smoke alarm battery immediately if an alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low.
• Teaching children what the smoke alarm sounds like, and what they should do when they hear it.
• Keeping the alarm clean by vacuuming over and around it regularly. Dust and debris can interfere with the alarm's operation. Do not paint over the smoke alarm.
• Moving the alarm farther away from the kitchen or bathroom if the device is sounding nuisance alarms. Never disable a smoke alarm.

Families should create and practice a home fire escape plan, which should include at least two escape routes for every room in the home. They should choose a convenient meeting place outside of the home and practice their escape plan at least twice a year with all family members.

The Red Cross is committed to helping people learn how to minimize the risk of a home fire, and suggests the following fire safety tips:

• Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding, and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources when cooking, or using alternative heating like a space heater.
• Don't leave the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food, and don't leave home while cooking.
• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of the reach of children.
• If a fire occurs, get out and stay out.  Call the fire department from a cell phone or neighbor's home.
• If smoke or fire blocks the first escape route, use a second way.  If someone must exit through smoke, they should crawl low under the smoke to the exit.  If escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it.  If the door is warm, get out a different way.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block the way out, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a brightly colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them the location

More information on home fire safety is available on www.redcross.org.  

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross