CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As Fire Prevention Week approaches, the American Red Cross North Carolina Region is calling on families to take proactive steps to protect themselves from one of the most common and deadly household emergencies — home fires.
Running from October 5 to 11, Fire Prevention Week serves as an annual reminder that simple precautions such as testing smoke alarms and practicing escape plans can make a life-saving difference. Home fires claim seven lives each day in the United States, more than all natural disasters combined, according to the Red Cross.
“Home fires don’t wait for the right moment, but being prepared makes all the difference,” said Sharonne Hayes, Regional Communications Manager for the North Carolina Region. “When a smoke alarm sounds, your family should be ready to act fast. Testing your smoke alarms and practicing your escape plan helps ensure your family knows what to do when every second matters.”
Focus on Preparedness and Speed
The Red Cross stresses that during a home fire, residents may have less than two minutes to reach safety. Families are encouraged to plan ahead, identify two escape routes from each room, and establish a designated meeting point outside the home at a safe distance.
Smoke is one of the most dangerous elements of a house fire, and the Red Cross advises household members to “get low and go” when exiting. Once outside, families should “get out and stay out,” never re-entering the home for people, pets, or belongings.
To make these precautions second nature, the organization recommends that every household practice a “two-minute drill” — timing how long it takes for everyone to get to safety. Parents are also urged to teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and talk through what actions to take in an emergency.
Importance of Smoke Alarm Maintenance
The Red Cross also reminds families to install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside and outside sleeping areas. Alarms should be tested monthly and have their batteries changed at least once a year if the model requires it.
Equally important, residents are encouraged to check the manufacturer’s date on each smoke alarm. Devices older than ten years should be replaced, as their sensors lose sensitivity over time.
Red Cross Disaster Response and Home Fire Campaign
Local Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers play a vital role in helping families recover after home fires, offering emotional support, financial assistance, and recovery information. Across the United States, the Red Cross responds to roughly 65,000 emergencies each year, with the majority involving home fires.
“For emergencies like home fires, our volunteers provide comfort during what can be the worst days of people’s lives,” the organization noted. Those interested in helping can learn how to volunteer for the Disaster Action Team at redcross.org/DAT.
Since its launch in October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has worked with community partners to educate families, install smoke alarms, and create home escape plans. The initiative has saved at least 2,479 lives nationwide, according to the organization. In North Carolina alone, Sound the Alarm programs — local arms of the campaign — have saved 87 lives and installed more than 83,600 free smoke alarms in high-risk communities.
How Canadians Can Support Fire Safety Awareness
While the campaign is U.S.-based, Canadian fire authorities share the same message of preparedness: working smoke alarms and escape planning are essential for every household. Fire departments across Canada mark Fire Prevention Week with similar safety initiatives and community outreach programs to reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities.
The Red Cross encourages residents to take part in its ongoing efforts:
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Get Help: For free smoke alarm installation, visit redcross.org/NC.
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Volunteer: Join a Sound the Alarm event — no prior experience required, with training provided.
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Donate: Contributions help keep Red Cross emergency services free for those in need. Donations can be made at SoundTheAlarm.org or by texting HOMEFIRE to 90999 for a $10 contribution.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; delivers international humanitarian aid; and supports military members, veterans, and their families. As a nonprofit organization, it depends on volunteers and public donations to carry out its mission.
For more information, visit redcross.org, CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow @RedCross on social media.
