(DETROIT) – The biggest disaster to threaten families nationally isn’t a hurricane or a flood – it’s a fire in their home. Last year, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter responded to more than 1,700 fires in the tri-county area, providing families with humanitarian aid. The local disaster relief is part of the home fire responses by the American Red Cross to more than 63,000 fires throughout the country.

October is Fire Safety Month, and the start of the heating season. For these reasons, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to take steps now to minimize the risk of home fires by remembering two key fire safety steps: install adequate smoke alarms and develop a fire escape plan.

“Fires can strike suddenly and spread quickly,” said Glen Hendricks, director of Emergency Services for the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “That’s why it’s important to take simple and inexpensive steps, such as installing smoke alarms inside the bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home.”

“People should also create an escape plan, because during a fire every second counts,” Hendricks said. “Being prepared can greatly reduce the affects of these devastating fires.”

It is recommended that people check each smoke alarm in their home by pushing the test button at least once a month, and replacing batteries every year, or as needed. Also, replace the smoke alarms every ten years.

Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes from every room in the home, as well as a convenient place to meet outside, which should be a safe distance from the house. 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. Besides smoke alarms and escape plans, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter also recommends taking the following fire safety precautions:

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, including stoves and alternative heating devices such as space heaters.
Stay in the kitchen if you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Don’t leave the home if you’re simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food.
Keep matches and lighters 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 fire 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.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information, visit www.semredcross.org.

About the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter (like those across the nation) depends on the generous support of financial donors to provide humanitarian aid to community members who are affected by home fires. You can help ensure that the Red Cross is ready to respond locally and meet the emergency needs of Southeast Michigan disaster victims by making a financial contribution to the Southeastern Michigan Chapter. Please visit www.semredcross.org or call 877-788-0014 to donate.

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