Red Cross Highlighting Fire Prevention Week

COLUMBUS, OH – This Week marks Fire Prevention Week and the Red Cross is sharing ways to keep you and your home safe as the temperatures drop.

Don Hawkins, the Regional Communications Manager for the Red Cross Central and Southern Ohio Region, says the first and very most important thing to have is to have a plan if your home catches fire.

He says to make sure everyone in the house knows the plan, where to meet, and suggests practicing the escape plan at least twice a year.

“The biggest thing you can do to prevent fires, the majority of house fires are started in the kitchen. First things first, please have a fire extinguisher.” Hawkins said. “Have one of those, make sure it’s accessible, don’t put it at the back of the sink or back of the cabinet, stacked up behind a bunch of stuff, don’t do that. Leave it easy and accessible so if you do need it, you can get to it quickly.”

Hawkins also recommends checking the batteries in your carbon monoxide as well as smoke detectors and suggests having one on each level of your home.

He also says to check the manufacture date on your smoke alarms, if they’re over 10-years-old, they’ll need to be replaced.

“We would strongly implore anyone and everyone, if you don;t have access to a space heater and your apartment is really cold, your apartment, home, whatever it is that’s really cold; please don’t use your oven as a heater.” Hawkins said. “You’re asking for trouble, you’re setting yourself up for a result that is going to be worse than dealing with the cold. I know it’s really easy to say, just put on a blanket or wear more clothing in the house, but that is a much safer option than using an oven to heat your home.”

For more information on about services they provide, you can head to redcross.org