October is an important for everyone. It is a time to reflect on how you can prevent home fires and, if one occurs, how can you survive one.
On average, seven people die every day from home fires, which take more lives each year than all other natural disasters combined in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. But working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.
That’s why the Red Cross is working with community partners to install free smoke alarms, help families create home fire escape plans, and provide public fire prevention and safety resources through its Home Fire Campaign, a nationwide effort to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries. Since the campaign began in October 2014, it’s reached more than 1.6 million people and is credited with saving 472 lives nationwide.
To find out more about the Home Fire Campaign in our two-state region visit:
Colorado – https://www.redcross.org/local/colorado/about-us/our-work/home-fire-safety.html
Wyoming – https://www.redcross.org/local/wyoming/about-us/home-fire-campaign.html
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Experts say that today’s home fires burn faster than ever, leaving people with only as little as two minutes to escape a burning residence. But many mistakenly believe they have more time, according to a Red Cross survey last year.
Red Cross installed smoke alarms in this home and taught the children about fire safety. Photo by Bill Fortune/American Red Cross
During Fire Prevention Week, the Red Cross urges everyone to take these lifesaving steps:
- Develop a fire escape plan with everyone in your household and practice it at least twice a year. Need help with your plan? Use these free Home Fire Campaign resources.
- Install smoke alarms in your home, on every level and outside each sleeping area. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year if required.
- Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what they should do if they hear one.
- Make sure all household members know two ways to escape from every room.
- Establish a family meeting spot outside.