CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — As Fire Prevention Week approaches, the American Red Cross of Illinois is urging residents to take simple but life-saving steps to protect their families from the dangers of home fires.
Running from October 5–11, the week is a reminder that home fires kill more people each year than all natural disasters combined — claiming an average of seven lives every day in the U.S.
“Home fires can happen anytime, anywhere,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO of the Red Cross of Illinois. “You may have less than two minutes to escape, so preparation is key.”
The Red Cross recommends monthly testing of smoke alarms and practicing a 2-minute fire escape drill with all members of the household. Everyone should know two ways out of every room and agree on a safe meeting spot outside.
Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home and inside and outside of sleeping areas. Alarms older than 10 years should be replaced.
So far this year, Red Cross Disaster Action Teams have responded to 278 home fires in Central Illinois alone, providing assistance and support to displaced families.
Since 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has helped save at least 2,479 lives nationwide by educating families, creating escape plans, and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk communities.
To learn more or get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires or redcross.org/DAT to volunteer.