OCTOBER 4, 2011, DETROIT, MI—Every 82 seconds a home fire breaks out, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. Fires can cause irreparable damage to homes and businesses displacing families and employees. Last year, the American Red Cross responded to 68,337 home fires across the country and provided comfort and basic necessities to those affected. This October 9-15 the Red Cross is helping families and businesses learn how to protect themselves and others from fires in observance of National Fire Prevention Week.

“Taking simple steps like installing smoke detectors and developing and practicing a fire escape plan can make a critical difference in saving lives, homes and workplaces,” said Glen Hendricks, Director of Emergency Services, Southeastern Michigan Region, who recommends that every family and business develop and practice a fire safety plan. “Everyone at home, school and work should know what to do when they hear the sound of a smoke alarm.”

Additional recommendations include:
• Install smoke alarms on every level of the house and inside bedrooms.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Test each alarm monthly by pushing the test button.
• Ensure that household members know two ways to escape from every room and designate a place to meet outside of your house in case of a fire. Practice your plan at least twice a year.

Follow your escape plan in case of fire. Get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for additional fire safety tips.

Businesses, too, should be prepared. Fire is the most common of all business disasters. 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 your current readiness level 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 is there to help those in need when fires break out. The Southeastern Michigan Region responded to 1283 home fires last year, providing food, clothing, shelter and support to those families devastated by home fire. Since January 2011, the Southeastern Michigan Regional Chapter has responded to over 20 multi-unit, large fires in addition to an average of five single family home fires a day i6n this area. Volunteers and staff are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to emergencies in the community.

“In order to continue responding to disasters like fires at homes and businesses here in Southeast Michigan, the Red Cross depends on the generous support of individuals and businesses in the community,” added Hendricks “Visit semredcross.org for more information on how to donate and more.”