Fires are America's biggest disaster threat and last year the St. Louis Area Chapter responded to 1,230. That's an average of three fires every day. With the help of the American Red Cross, do what you can to prepare your family.
Prepare a Home Fire Plan
- Install smoke alarms outside of sleeping areas and each level of your home.
- Keep area around smoke alarm free of cobwebs and dust.
- Test your alarm each month and change the batteries at least once a year.
- Because smoke alarms become less sensitive as time goes on, replace each alarm every 10 years.
- Consider purchasing home fire extinguishers.
- Determine at least two ways to escape out of each room in the home.
- Consider escape ladders for upper levels.
- Select a location outside of the home for all family members to meet.
- Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
- If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl and stay low to the ground.
- If you must use a door to get out, feel the door before opening. If it is warm, use your second way out.
- If all your exits are blocked, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help with a bright colored cloth at the window. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department and let them know where you are.
- Once you are out, stay out!
Eliminate Hazards, Including --
- Old rags and newspapers which could cause fire to spread.
- Not overcrowding one electrical outlet.
- Use candle caution - never leave the room while a candle is burning or keep candles near curtains and other flammable materials.
- Never smoke indoors.
Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit for Home and Car, Including --
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person.
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
- Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
Other Red Cross Materials