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The biggest disaster threat to families across our nation every day isn't a flood or hurricane; it's fire. Last winter the Stark County Red Cross responded to a record number of 51 home fires; nationally last year, the American Red Cross responded to more than 63,000 fires throughout the country.
October is Fire Safety Month. That's why the American Red Cross is encouraging people to take steps to minimize the risk of home fires by remembering two key fire safety steps: install a smoke alarm and develop a fire escape plan.
"Fires can strike suddenly and spread quickly," says Matt Sweeney, Emergency Services Director for the Stark County Red Cross Chapter. "It's important that people take simple and inexpensive steps now, such as installing a smoke alarm inside bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and on every level of their homes. They should also create a plan of escape in case they need to leave at a moment's notice, because during a fire every second counts and being prepared can greatly reduce the affects of these devastating disasters."
It is recommended that people check each smoke alarm in their home by pushing the test button at least once a month and replace batteries every year, or as needed. Also, replace smoke alarms every ten years. Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes from every room in the home, and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the home. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year and revise as necessary. Families are encouraged to pay particular attention to developing and regularly practicing escape plans for children and older adults.
The Red Cross is committed to helping people learn how to minimize the risk of a home fire. The Stark County Red Cross also recommends the following fire safety tips:
Simple Steps to Help Prevent Fires
• 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 you're frying, grilling or broiling food, and don't leave home if you're simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food.
• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of reach of children.
Safety Tips in the Event that a Fire Strikes Your Home
• Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
• If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit. If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If the door is warm, use your second way out.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, 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 where you are.
For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.redcross.org/homefires.
Red Cross chapters nationwide depend on the generous support of financial donors to respond to their community members who are affected by home fires. You can help ensure the Red Cross can be ready to respond and meet the emergency needs of disaster victims by making a financial contribution to your local Stark County Red Cross Chapter.
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