Let's Talk About Home Fire Safety
News Release: October 3, 2009
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley urges families to review home fire safety with all household members during Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10, 2009.

"Last year our chapter responded to 97 residential fires in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties," said Cordelia E. Miller, director of emergency services at the Red Cross. "Preventing a home fire doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment or training, and Fire Prevention Week is a great time to get started.

"Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives," added Miller.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, the leading causes of fires in the home include cooking, heating, and electrical. Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley offers these safety reminders:

To prevent home fires

  • Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.

  • Never smoke in bed.

  • Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.

  • Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

  • Stay in the home while simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food. Check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.

  • Keep anything that can catch fire - like pot holders, towels, plastic and clothing - away from the stove.


    Practice fire safety at home

  • nstall smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

  • Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.

  • Once a month check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button.

  • Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low.

  • Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

  • Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of fire.


    In case of fire …

  • If a fire occurs in your home, get out, stay out and call 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number.

  • If closed doors or handles are warm, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.

  • Crawl low under smoke.

  • If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.


    A Red Cross Fire Prevention and Safety Checklist is available on the Internet for download and printing at www.redcrosslv.org/disaster/pdf/FireSafety.pdf. It is available in English and Spanish.

    The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, and emergency relief to more than 25,000 greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org. 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.