Simple Steps Reduce Risk For Home Fires
 
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| Lise Harwin / Alison Klapper |
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September 30, 2010
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The biggest disaster threat to families isn't floods, hurricanes or tornadoes – it's fire. Last year, the Oregon Red Cross responded to nearly 450 home fires, approximately one every 20 hours.
October is National Fire Safety Month and the Red Cross is encouraging people to take steps to minimize the risk of home fires by remembering two key fire safety tips: install a smoke alarm and develop a fire escape plan.
During a Fire, Every Second Counts
Home fires can start quickly and without warning, devastating lives and property. But while home fires are a serious concern, the good news is that people can take steps to reduce their risk.
Make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarm once a month by pushing the test button, and replace the batteries at least once a year. Also, create an escape plan. Home fire escape plans should include at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
Additionally, select a meeting spot a safe distance from your home where family members can meet after escaping. After discussing your plan with all members of your household, practice the plan twice a year.
The Red Cross also recommends other 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.
Although these precautions will help prevent a fire, home fires can still strike unexpectedly. The Oregon Red Cross is there to help, providing food, shelter, lodging and emotional support to help families begin rebuilding their lives.
For more fire safety information or to make a donation to help Oregonians affected by home fires in your community, visit www.oregonredcross.org/homefires.
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In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and people with disabilities; 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.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.
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