Help Save Lives with American Red Cross <br>Fire Safety Tips

Help Save Lives with American Red Cross
Fire Safety Tips

News Release: October 4, 2011
Contact: Janice Osborne, Regional Communication Officer
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

Every 82 seconds a home fire breaks out, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. Fires can cause irreparable damage to homes and businesses displacing families and employees. On average, the American Red Cross responds to 63,000 home fires across the country each year, providing comfort and basic necessities to those affected. This October 9-15 the Red Cross is helping families and businesses learn how to protect themselves and others from fires in observance of National Fire Prevention Week.

"Taking simple steps like installing smoke detectors and developing and practicing a fire escape plan can make a critical difference in saving lives, homes and workplaces," said Cordelia E. Miller, director of emergency services at the Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross, who recommends that every family and business develop and practice a fire safety plan. "Everyone at home, school and work should know what to do when they hear the sound of a smoke alarm."

Additional recommendations include:

Install smoke alarms on every level of the house and inside bedrooms.
Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Test each alarm monthly by pushing the test button.
Ensure that household members know two ways to escape from every room and designate a place to meet outside of your house in case of a fire. Practice your plan at least twice a year.

Follow your escape plan in case of fire. Get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Visit redcross.org/homefires for additional fire safety tips.

Business, too, should be prepared. Fire is the most common of all business disasters. Companies, schools and other organizations can learn how to prepare for fires and other emergencies by becoming a member of the Red Cross Ready Rating™ Program at www.readyrating.org. Complete a free, online assessment of your current readiness level and receive customized feedback with tips to improve preparedness.

In addition to helping families and businesses prepare their homes and facilities for potential fires, the Red Cross is there to help those in need when fires break out. The Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross responded to 92 home fires last year, helping 121 families. On average, the local Red Cross responds to a fire once every three days.

"In order to continue responding to disasters like fires at homes and businesses here in the greater Lehigh Valley, the Red Cross depends on the generous support of individuals and businesses in the community," added Miller. "You can make a secure online donation at www.redcrosslv.org or send a check to American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017."

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 92,300 people through preparedness and training classes, military support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief, information and referral and other education and outreach programs. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. 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.