Plan Ahead During Fire Prevention Week

Seven lives are lost every day in the United States to house fires and the Red Cross wants this Fire Prevention Week to serve as a reminder to get ready.  Rebecca Marshall, with the Red Cross, said smoke detectors should be on every level of a home.

"Include smoke alarms inside the bedrooms, that's important because if you're sleeping you might not be aware there's a fire unless that alarm goes off," she said.  "In hallways outside of bedrooms is important as well."

Have A Plan, And Practice It

Marshall added it’s important you develop an evacuation plan that describes how everyone can get out of the house.

"In every room of your house you really should have two different ways to escape, so is that a window or a door, or maybe it's two doors, but that's really important to just do a walk-through and check that kind of thing out."

Marshall said it’s a good idea to practice evacuations, especially with children, so they know what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do.  And she added having one place to meet outside is a good way to make sure everyone has evacuated.

Visit the Red Cross' Website for tips on preparing a plan, or how to practice evacuating your home.

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