Every 82 seconds a home fire breaks out, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. Fires can cause irreparable damage to homes and businesses displacing families and employees. On average, the American Red Cross responds to approximately 63,000 fires every year across the country. Home fires can strike quickly and without warning. This October 9-15 the Red Cross is helping families and businesses learn how to protect themselves and others from fires in observance of National Fire Prevention Week.

Did you know:

• One home structure fire was reported every 87 seconds in 2009. These fires caused 12,650 civilian injuries, 2,565 civilian deaths, $7.6 billion in direct damage.
• According to an NFPA survey, less than one-fourth of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
• Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. About one in five smoke alarm failures was due to dead batteries.
• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.
• Fires involving heating equipment peak in December, January and February, as do deaths from these fires.
• 41% of home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
• 53% of home electrical fires involved other known types of equipment, including ranges, washers/dryers, fans and space heaters.
• On average, there are 35 home candle fires reported per day.
• U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 18,900 smoking-relate home fires each year between 2005-2009, causing an average of 660 deaths, 1,270 injuries and $492 million in direct property damage
•  of 660 deaths, 1,270 injuries and $492 million in direct property damage.

Does your family know what to do in case of a fire? Be Red Cross Ready – Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed. Click the following link http://www.redcrossinsewis.org/get-prepared/tips to learn more about this life-saving information and keep you and your family safe!