Nearly every day across the country, a home or apartment is destroyed due to fire.   Families are left to watch helplessly as their homes, their memories, and nearly all their belongings go up in smoke.   Imagine losing everything you own in an instant – what would you do – how would you cope?

This is where the American Red Cross steps in.  Disaster volunteers and staff hurry to the scene and provide comfort and basic necessities to the family.  They give them a blanket, a safe place to stay and a shoulder to lean on.  They give them the hope of rebuilding their lives with the resources needed to begin recovery. 

This past fiscal year, Red Cross responded to 286 fires alone, which affected 529 families. While the Red Cross receives a lot of attention for our response to large-scale disasters, it is in these smaller responses that we are truly able to serve our community.  No other organization delivers the same services after a disaster as the American Red Cross. We are the first responders, following the fire department.

Fire does not care where you live, how much money you make, or how many people, pets or belongings you have. Some people will need more assistance reclaiming their lives, while others may just need information on the recovery process. Whatever the case may be, it is reassuring that someone is able to respond immediately and provide the necessary help and comfort so often needed.

Don’t let fire hurt you! Prevention and a few key habits will help you and your family stay safe:

• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from anything that gets hot.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and get training from the fire department on how to use it.
• Plug heaters directly into a wall socket and unplug when not in use.
• Never overload electrical outlets.
• Avoid running cords under carpet and furniture.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including sleeping areas.
• Test and dust smoke alarms monthly, change the batteries yearly.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Make a fire escape plan with two exits out of every room.
• Practice your plan twice a year.
• Identify an outside meeting place to gather after escaping.
• Teach children that firefighters are their friends who can help.

In case of fire, follow your escape plan!

• Crawl low under smoke.
• Feel closed doors. If the door is hot, use your second way out.
• Go to your outside meeting place and then call 911 for help.
• Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT