Are home fires a big problem in the United States?

Sadly, yes. Last year, the Red Cross responded to more than 73,000 disasters, 92 percent of them were fire-related. This is a devastating fact because home fires are preventable.

Is there a lack of understanding about home fires?

Eighty percent of Americans are completely unaware that home fires are the most common disaster in the United States, while 68 percent of those surveyed cited floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and mudslides as greater threats to their family than home fires.

Why does the American Red Cross think that people are so unaware of the dangers of home fires?

The Red Cross often calls home fires “silent disasters,” the ones that people typically don’t hear about. Large-scale disasters such as the hurricanes make the headlines and appear in countless television news stories.

Where are home fires most likely to start?

Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. Furthermore, two out of three reported home cooking fires start with the range or stove.

What are the biggest risks in cooking or kitchen fires?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires. In addition to never leaving the kitchen while a stove is on, The American Red Cross recommends that you keep all sources of fuel (potholders, food packaging, clothing, etc.) at least three feet away from heat sources while you’re cooking.

Are alternative sources of energy a cause of fires?

According to a poll released by the American Red Cross, four in ten households use high-risk methods to help heat their homes. Alternative heating sources are involved in 74 percent of firerelated deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Are families using alternative sources of energy at a greater risk?

Yes. The Red Cross poll found that 42 percent of families are using alternatives such as space heaters, fireplaces, or wood/coal stoves to stay warm and that 49 percent of families with children under 18 are using these same alternatives. Alternative heating sources are involved in 74 percent of fire-related deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Are alternative heating sources a good option?

There are ways to use alternative sources of heating more safely. The Red Cross recommends that you keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from heat sources, such as when using alternative heating like a space heater or fireplace. Also make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how, when and where to use heaters safely.

Why is having a plan important?

Although residential fires are preventable, fires can ignite very quickly and without warning. If you and your loved ones do not have a plan, you may have little or no time at all to decide the best method to escape. Visit www.redcross.org for more information on how to make a plan, or contact your local Red Cross chapter.

Should we have smoke alarms on each level of our home?

Absolutely, smoke alarms need to be installed outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home. If you and your family sleep with the doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too. Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year. Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time and should be replaced every 10 years.

How many fire extinguishers should we have in our home?

Keep one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. The Red Cross recommends that you contact your local fire department for proper training.

How do you develop a fire escape plan?

Begin by determining at least two ways to escape from every room of your home. For second or third floors, escape ladders should be used and stored near the window. One of the most important steps of any plan is to select a location outside your home where everyone can meet after escaping. The Red Cross recommends that you practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Can I go back into my home if I’ve forgotten something?

Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.

What if my escape route is covered in smoke?

If you see smoke or fire in your first 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 it 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. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

How can I learn more about fire safety?

Visit http://www.redcross.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter. Also, during the month of October, the American Red Cross will be partnering with The Home Depot to host Family Fire Safety Clinics. These educational and fun clinics will be offered at every The Home Depot store nationwide at 10:00 a.m. local time on each Saturday during the month of October. For more information on the clinics visit http://www.homedepotclinics.com .

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