This week the American Red Cross is helping families and businesses learn how to protect themselves and others from fires in observance of National Fire Prevention Week.
• Installing smoke alarms on every level of the house and inside bedrooms.
• Replacing batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Testing each alarm monthly by pushing the test button.
• Ensuring that household members know two ways to escape from every room and designating a place to meet outside of your house in case of a fire. Practice your plan.
• Downloading the American Red Cross First Aid App at the App Store or on Google Play for access to life-saving information on what to do for common, everyday first aid emergencies.
Businesses also should be prepared. Fire is the most common of all business disasters.
According to the United State Fire Association, non-residential building fires resulted in $2.4 billion in losses in 2010. 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 current readiness levels 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 helps those in need when fires break out. The Wabash Valley Chapter responded to 157 home fires last year and mobilized assistance such as food, shelter, clothing and emotional support to 187 disaster client families.
Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to donate.