MIAMI — The American Red Cross South Florida Region responded to 11 home fires in the span of seven days throughout the region.

Home fires account for 90 percent of all disaster responses, and this week Red Cross volunteers provided 46 people support and guidance as they begin their road to recovery.

“Preparing for home fires is crucial, and this week proves just how important having a plan in place really is,” said Siara Campbell, Regional Communications Director for the Red Cross South Florida Region. “Making sure you and your loved ones know what to do in the event of a home fire is made simple with two steps, testing your smoke alarms monthly, and practicing your escape plan until everyone can get out of the home in two minutes or less.”

Every day, people are forced from their homes due to disasters and trained Red Cross volunteers are ready to respond. Our volunteers help ensure families do not have to face what could be their toughest day alone.

Visit SoundtheAlarm.org/SFL to schedule a 20-minute virtual training to learn how to prevent a fire in your home.

Red Cross volunteers will Sound the Alarm in South Florida through May 8 as part of a national effort to educate 100,000 people about home fire safety in high-risk neighborhoods. Volunteers will meet with residents by virtual appointments to share fire safety information, help families create escape plans and practice two-minute fire drills.

Take Steps Now to Prepare

Home fires take seven lives each day in the U.S., most often in homes without working smoke alarms. The Red Cross urges individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones by taking the following steps to prepare and respond in the event of a home fire:

• Test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.
• In your escape plan, include at least two ways to exit every room in your home. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.

• While practicing your escape plan, teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.
• Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.
• Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

Additional information and resources can be found at redcross.org/homefires or download the free Red Cross Emergency App by visiting redcross.org/apps.