Local Red Cross Urges Preparedness during Fire Prevention Month

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 18, 2010) – As the country marks National Fire Prevention Month the local American Red Cross is urging everyone to help save lives by making sure their family is prepared in the event of a fire.

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to thousands of local fires throughout the country every year. Last year, the local Red Cross in this region responded to 308 house fires, a house fire every 27 hours on average. “House fires are the most common disaster threat in our region,” said Rob Levine, CEO, American Red Cross, Palm Beaches-Treasure Coast Region. Levine added, “Our Red Cross Chapters are tasked with providing for the immediate and emergent needs of those individuals who are impacted, this need is met by our volunteers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Several events are going on through the area in honor of Fire Prevention Month, to distribute much needed information to the community. These events include:

• Friday, October 15 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Youth Volunteer Fire Safety Outreach in Lake Worth Red Cross Youth Volunteers will be going door to door in Lake Worth distributing Fire Safety Information to Residents. In the month of September, the Red Cross responded to 9 fires in Lake Worth alone.  
• Saturday, October 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  Home Safety Day at Home Depot in Stuart
• Saturday, October 23 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  Home Safety Day at Home Depot in Vero Beach

The Red Cross also recommends that families create and practice a home fire escape plan, which should include at least two escape routes for every room in the home. Families should choose a convenient meeting place outside of the home and practice their escape plan at least twice a year with all family members.

Additional fire safety tips from the American Red Cross include:

• Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding, and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources when cooking, or using alternative heating like a space heater.
• Don’t leave the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food, and don’t leave home while cooking.
• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of the reach of children.
• If a fire occurs, get out and stay out. Call the fire department from a cell phone or neighbor’s home.
• If smoke or fire blocks the first escape route, use a second way. If someone must exit through smoke, they should crawl low under the smoke to the exit. If escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If the door is warm, get out a different way.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block the way out, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a brightly colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them the location

More information on home fire safety is available on http://www.redcross.org. People can help those affected by home fires and other emergencies by making a financial donation to The American Red Cross, Palm Beaches – Treasure Coast Region by calling 561-833-7711 or visiting www.redcross-pbc.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. 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, please visit www.redcross-pbc.org.

Editors Note: Please call Joe Hansen at 561-531-2668 to arrange an interview with Youth Volunteers distributing Fire Safety Information in Lake Worth.