Daylight Savings Time: a History Lesson

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor

While living in Paris, France as an American delegate, the great Benjamin Franklin fell on ailments that kept him home. He took to staying up well past midnight playing chess. After one particularly late night, Ben was awakened by a loud noise in his room. Much to his surprise, when he woke, his room was filled with light. 

Thinking it was a new type of oil lamp he had reviewed earlier in the evening, it soon dawned on him that it was the sun. Known for being frugal, Ben decided that Parisians were wasting excessive energy—back then it was candle light, in the form of tallow and wax—and that something needed to be done about people living the majority of their days by artificial light. In a letter to the French paper Journal de Pairs, he suggested that the city:

• Tax window shutters
• Ration candles
• Stop coaches from passing in the street
• Ring church bells in order to wake everyone up at sunrise 

And thus, the idea of Daylight Savings Time was born! (Technically, it is Daylight Saving Time, without the s, but that just doesn’t roll of the tongue as nicely, does it?) 

Now, thankfully, we just turn our clocks back or forward.  

Daylight Savings Time is actually a federal law. Signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 was made law in order to establish a “uniform time within the standard time zones” in the United Sates. However, each state was allowed to opt out by a vote. Currently, only Arizona and Hawaii have no Daylight Savings Time.

On November 3, Daylight Savings Time ends. At 2 a.m., our clocks set back one hour. So at 2 a.m., turn your clock back to 1 a.m. Or typically for us non-night owls, simply turn your clocks back one hour right before you go to bed. 

Will you fall back in bed to enjoy an extra hour of sleep or will you spring forward and accomplish one of those “I’ll do it tomorrow” tasks you put off yesterday.

Do not let your smoke alarm fail. Check your batteries! 

Traditionally, Daylight Savings Time is when our local fire departments encourage us to check our smoke alarms. Though this is probably a testament to how well, or not well, I cook that I know exactly how annoying that piercing re-re-re alarm is. However tempting it may be, do not disconnect or remove the batteries from your smoke alarm. 38% of deaths in home fires are due to smoke alarm failure. The main reason why smoke alarms fail? Dead, missing or disconnected batteries. Testing your smoke alarm takes only minutes and might just save you and your family’s life. 

What to do with the extra 55 minutes? Check your carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher! In homes with natural gas appliances, wood-burning fireplaces or space heaters, you are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, it is extremely difficult to tell when levels have become dangerous. Carbon monoxide detectors work much like smoke alarms, by sending out a loud piercing alarm when CO levels reach an unsafe level. 

I always heard Daylight Savings Time started to give farmers more working daylight hours. Who knew it was all about saving energy? 

Do you think you know it all? Take The American Red Cross fire safety quiz, a gateway to learn more about fire safety. 

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3 HOT Tips for Home Fire Safety

by Carmen Wright, volunteer contributor

Only you can prevent fires.
Home or wild.

Remember when the firemen came to talk to your class in kindergarten? Learning stop, drop, and roll? Watching Smokey the Bear ads on TV?  If you’re like me, that was probably the last time you thought about fire safety. 

Thankfully, there is a whole week devoted to Fire Prevention, and it’s here! 

While the wildfires in Colorado, California and even the plant explosion in West, Texas this summer may seem like they are a world away, home fires occur regularly in North Texas. In fact, the majority of Red Cross Disaster Relief responses are to fires. And while the Red Cross is always there to support you in such an emergency, we hope remembering and following these three tips will mean you’ll never need our help. 

SMOKE DETECTOR 

One of my least favorite sounds—besides my alarm going off at 6AM—is the incessant chirp of a smoke detector that needs new batteries. But it’s annoying for a reason! You either go crazy listening to the high pitched B E E P....B E E P...B E E P or you go check it out and make sure it’s working.  

Taking the time to make sure your smoke detector is functioning properly is a small sacrifice when you consider the money and trouble it can save you by alerting you to a fire. 

Fact: Almost two-thirds of home fire fatalities result from lack of a functioning smoke alarm. 

Did you know? Some fire departments offer reduced price or sometimes free smoke detectors, and they may even install it for you. 

ESCAPE PLAN

It’s important for you and everyone that lives with you to know how to get out in case of a fire. It may seem silly to go so far as to plan an escape from your own house, but in a real emergency, having a plan you can easily recall will be helpful when panic sets in. 

Planning an escape route is especially important for families with small kids, elderly family members, or relatives with disabilities. Make sure everyone knows where every door and window are located and make sure there are at least two escapes from every room. 

DRILLS

An escape plan is useless if you never practice it. In an emergency, you may panic, so its helpful if your mind and body have already gone through the process of escaping. Make sure you practice your plan at least twice a year and both in the day and at night. 

If you have pets, make sure to include them in the plan and drills by having leashes ready and practicing taking them out of the house. For more information on pet preparedness, visit the Red Cross page.

In a real fire, NEVER go back into a burning building for anything. Alert firefighters of any pets or people trapped inside, and they will conduct the rescue.

Celebrate Fire Prevention Week all year round by making your home fire safe and preparing your family for an emergency. 

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Everyday Disasters: You Never Know When You'll Need Red Cross Relief

Written by Amy Yen, volunteer contributor

When there are large-scale natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, the American Red Cross is highly visible in its response. But those are just some of the more than 70,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to each year. These range from hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes all the way down to single-family house and apartment fires. In fact, the Red Cross responds to a home fire every 9 minutes.

Chris Huckabee, an American Red Cross supporter, never knew he would also be a recipient of Red Cross relief after a home fire.

One of these was at the home of Christopher Huckabee, CEO of Fort Worth-based architecture, engineering and management firm Huckabee, Inc., whose house caught fire around 4 a.m. on the morning of October 7. Fortunately, fire alarms woke the family and, thanks to safety training, everyone escaped the house unharmed.

Standing out in the morning cold, Chris Huckabee was ill prepared for the chill as he and his family watched as the fire department arrived.

“About an hour into the fire, a nice gentleman walked up to me and offered me a cup of coffee. I welcomed the kindness but was somewhat surprised. He offered hot chocolate to my wife and daughters and then offered me a warm blanket as we stood outside and watched the firefighters work,” described Chris. “I finally asked him, ‘Who are you?’ His response: ‘I'm a volunteer with the Red Cross.’ I remember thinking, ‘Wow, the Red Cross is at my house, this cannot be good.’"

Chris was impressed, not only by the service provided to his family, but also to the first responders. “The Red Cross provided food and drinks as the crews would come in and out of our house. It was serving others at the highest level – a response I will never forget.”

Although Chris’s company had supported the Red Cross in several fundraising initiatives over the years, he was unaware of the level of support provided, particularly on a local level. After experiencing it first-hand, he decided to give a year-end gift to the Red Cross with the foundation he founded, through which he donates 100 percent of the proceeds from his speaking and writing engagements to local organizations that have a major impact in Tarrant and surrounding counties.

“The night of our fire, the Red Cross gave us immediate comfort and support but they also provided critical information as to what would take place in the days and weeks to follow,” explained Chris. “Like me, most people who find themselves in a disaster aren't pros when it comes to what steps to take and how to even move forward after the firemen leave the scene. Red Cross provided that information and critical support during the event. Our goal is to see that amazing work continue.”

Chris says the Red Cross fits the giving structure he looks for when deciding on what causes to contribute to: an organization with low overhead, which allows more donor dollars to go directly to those in need.

On Christmas day, the Red Cross assisted 25 families facing home fires in the Dallas area alone. Additionally, we continue to provide support to Sandy victims as part of one of 113 large-scale disaster responses in 2012. If you’re thinking of making a year-end gift, please consider the Red Cross. Visit RedCross.orgfor more information.

“I hope others DON'T have to experience the amazing Red Cross volunteers personally,” says Chris. “But when people are in need, the Red Cross is there. It's about people serving their neighbors in the most critical time of need and no one does it better.”

To make a tax-deductible year end gift to the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. 

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Red Cross Offers Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

As the temperatures drop and the decorations go up, it can only mean that the he holidays are here! For some families though, their celebrations will turn to tragedy as the holidays also represent the busiest home fire season of the year. For the American Red Cross, the average number of daily house fires will double during the holiday season.

Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 1,300 people for injuries related to holiday lights and 6,200 people for injuries related to holiday decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, resulting in 40 deaths, 80 injuries and an average of more than $15 million in property loss and damage each year. Below are suggestions on how to safeguard your family from fire over the holidays.

 

Candles

Candles are a nice addition to any holiday celebration; however festivities can be cut short if candles are used improperly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is the leading month for home candle fires, with twice the average number of incidents.

The NFPA and the Red Cross offer these candle safety tips:

• Secure candles in a sturdy holder on a flat surface that won't tip over.    
• Make sure the holder is big enough to collect the dripping wax.
• Don't place candles in windows where blinds or curtains can close over them.
• Do not leave a burning candle unattended.
• If you experience a power outage, use flashlights and other battery-generated light sources.
• Do not carry a lit candle or use a lit candle to look for things in a closet or confined area.
• Place candles out of reach of children, and in a position where pets won't be able to knock them over.
• Do not use a candle for light when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern, as flame may ignite the vapors.
• KEEP ALL MATCHES AND LIGHTERS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

 

Home Heating

            On average, more than one-third of home fire deaths in the United States occur during the winter months. Heating equipment fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths in American homes and the biggest fire culprit December through January. Here are some specific fire prevention tips to keep in mind when heating your home.

• Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people.
• Do not leave space heaters on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep.
• Do not use gasoline or other substitute fuel in a kerosene heater because the wrong fuel could burn hotter than the design limits of the equipment and cause a serious fire.
• Store kerosene away from heat or open flame in a container approved by the local fire department.
• Have your chimney inspected by a professional before the start of the heating season and cleaned if necessary.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen when burning fires.
• Burn only wood. Never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out the chimney and ignite your roof or a neighboring home.

 

Holiday Decorations and Christmas Trees

            Christmas trees are directly responsible for around 40 fatalities every year.

Follow these safety tips while decorating your home for the holidays:

• If using a live Christmas tree, keep it watered daily. 
• Never put a lit candle on a Christmas tree.
• Make sure your Christmas tree is far away from any source of ignition such as a space heater or candle.
• When putting holiday lights on the tree, follow the instructions recommended by UL Laboratories. Overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires during the holiday season.

 

Kitchen Safety

            Home fires often start in the kitchen. With more people in the home due to holiday parties and family gatherings, it is important to follow these precautions to avoid a holiday fire:

• Never leave the kitchen area while cooking.
• Keep plenty of oven mitts on hand.
• Have a working fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
• Keep children and pets away from the cooking areas. Falling pots and pans can burn children.

The early warning signal of a smoke detector can save lives. Be sure to install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home. Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. The Red Cross recommends you replace batteries at least once a year. Make a fire escape plan for your family and have a family meeting place outside your home. For free information in English or Spanish, visit the Red Cross web site at www.redcross.org/dfw.

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Family Survives Fire Through Power of Friends

Written by Rusty Surette, volunteer contributor

In 33 years I’ve never known someone personally who lost their home to a fire, but I’ve seen it happen more times than I care to count.  

That changed last month when one of my former high school classmates and good friend, Danael Broussard, lost everything but the clothes on his back. An early more fire tore right through his apartment in the Oak Lawn district of Dallas. Thankfully, he escaped with his 7-year old son. I learned of what happened after Danael posted a picture of the fire on his Facebook page.  

I admit in the past I would have worried myself sick about what happens next for my friend. However, I knew if he needed any assistance he could depend on friends, family and the American Red Cross.

I’ve been an employee and now volunteer with the Red Cross for almost two years now and I’ve seen countless fires the organization and its volunteers have responded to day and night.   This fire was no different.

Like clockwork, the Red Cross was immediate on scene and met with Danael and his son and offered to provide emergency assistance.

“They gave me a card to get clothes, food and bedding,” said Danael.   “They were wonderful.  They also offered a place to stay, but thankfully I have friends who are helping with that.”

Danael is one of those people who would give the shirt off his back to a stranger on the street if it was needed.  It’s nice to know there are so many people out there willing to do the same because that’s literally all Danael had. A shirt and pair of shorts.

His experience and story brings up two important lessons for us all.

Smoke alarms provide a few minutes of advance warning in the event of a home fire, and that extra time can save lives. The alarms should be installed on every level of the home, as well as inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas of the home. They should also be tested once a month by pushing the test button, and batteries should be replaced annually.

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

Danael and his son are now moved into their new home and ready to continue down their road to recovery.  A road paved smooth with the help of loved ones and volunteers of the American Red Cross.

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Red Cross Funds Stretched Thin After 100+ People Burned out of Their Homes in Past 72 Hours

Community Can Help by Texting, Clicking or Sponsoring

DFW, TEXAS, February 28, 2012 — It’s rare to get a rash of fires that displaces nearly 100 people in a three-day period, but here in the Metroplex, that’s exactly what’s happened over the past 72 hours.
Four major apartment fires, along with 12 single-family homes fires, one causing a critical injury, had the organization responding around the clock; and depleting resources at a rapid pace.

Now, the Red Cross is asking the community to help replenish their funds as they gear up for spring storm season. 

“We’re concerned about this barrage of home fires, coupled with the start of spring storm season,” said T.D. Smyers, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “We’ve had so many fires and any day now, spring storms will be here and we have to be ready to respond to those too.” 

Smyers said the organization has distributed about three weeks worth of aid in a three day period, but with support from the community, those funds can be replaced quickly. 

Ways people can give include texting the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10; jumping on www.redcross.org to give a gift in any amount; or by sponsoring a “Piper the Puppy” at the $100 level. This Dallas-created stuffed animal brings comfort when he’s handed to a child at the curb of a house fire, while the financial donation ensures that the Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Home fires are the most common disaster responded to by the local Red Cross chapters. An average of five families in the Metroplex experience a house fire every day. The American Red Cross responds every time they’re called and assists with safe shelter, new shoes and clothing, groceries, seasonal items, bedding and more. Without the support of the American people, the American Red Cross would be unable to respond. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; 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.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Home Fires

Are home fires a big problem in the United States?
Sadly, yes. Last year, the Red Cross responded to more than 74,000 disasters, 93 percent of them were fire-related. This is a devastating fact since many home fires can be prevented.

Are home fires increasing?
Unfortunately, yes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that residential fires across the country have increased 8 percent since 2000, and the average cost of damages from a home fire during 2006 was more than $17,000. The Red Cross response to home fires has increased as well, rising 10 percent since 2000.

When do home fires happen?
Home fires can happen at any time, but they generally increase during the fall and winter, with December and January being the peak months. Home fires are also more common on Saturday and Sunday, and tend to peak between 6:00 and 7:00 PM.

Where are home fires most likely to start?
Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. The second leading cause of home fires are heating sources like wood stoves, and fireplaces. Fires caused by smoking are the leading cause of deaths.

Who are affected by home fires?
Home fires don’t discriminate and can affect any home at any time. However, children under five and adults over 65 face the highest risk of dying in a home fire.

How can I prepare for a potential home fire?
Smoke alarms are a critical step in being prepared for a home fire. Smoke alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home. If you and your family sleep with the doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.

My home has a smoke alarm, is that all I need to do?
No, to function properly, smoke alarms must be maintained. In 2005, the NFPA reported that 74 percent of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Once a month you should use the test button to check each smoke alarm. And at least once a year, all smoke alarm batteries should be replaced. In addition, smoke alarms can become less sensitive over time and should be replaced at least every 10 years.

If I have a fire extinguisher in my home, do I need training to use it?
Yes. Fire extinguishers are a great tool, but like any tool you need to learn how to use them properly and safely. Using a fire extinguisher on even small fires takes practice and quick thinking so there is not a delay in calling 9-1-1. The Red Cross suggests learning how to properly use fire extinguishers by contacting your local fire department to get training.

Why do I need a fire escape plan?
Fires can ignite very quickly and without warning, leaving you and your loved ones with little or no time to escape. By creating and practicing an escape plan, family members can save valuable time in the event of a fire by knowing exactly how to act.

How can I create a fire escape plan?
Begin by determining at least two ways to escape from every room of your home. For floors above ground level, escape ladders should be stored near the window. Also, make sure to select a central location at a safe distance from your home where family members can meet after escaping. After creating and discussing your plan with all members of your household, the Red Cross recommends that you practice your plan at least twice a year.

If a fire happens, can I go back into my home if I’ve forgotten something?
Once you are out of a burning home, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home or cell phone.

What if my escape route is covered in smoke?
If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke. If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out. If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Place a rolled towel underneath the door. Open the window- but do not break it. Signal for help waving a brightly colored cloth or shining a flashlight at the window. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department and tell them your exact location.

How can I help victims of home fires?
The number of families that the American Red Cross supports in the aftermath of home fires has increased 10 percent since 2000. Your local Red Cross chapter depends on the generous support of community members like you to help our neighbors affected by home fires. You can help victims of home fires by ensuring your local Red Cross is ready to respond. Contact your local Red Cross chapter to make a financial contribution today.

How can I learn more about fire preparedness?
Visit www.redcross.org/homefires or contact your local Red Cross chapter.

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Home Fire Victims Become Red Cross Volunteers

Carl Nappier received help from the Red Cross when fire destroyed his home. Now he helps others when disaster strikes.

Carl Nappier and Michelle Muth have gone from receiving American Red Cross help after losing their homes in fires to becoming very active volunteers.

October is Fire Prevention Month, a time to both recognize those who have offer help after fires – as well as to remind people to take steps now to help ensure fire does not strike their home.

Nappier’s home in Moniteau County, Missouri, was destroyed by fire in 2007. Red Cross volunteers from the Capital Area Chapter in Jefferson City responded and ensured Carl received the emergency help he needed to begin to rebuild his life.

In 2009, Nappier became a Red Cross disaster volunteer and began responding to numerous home fires within the chapter’s 21-county service area. He is now a national volunteer, deploying when disaster strikes across the United States. This year he has worked on five national disasters for a minimum of two weeks away from home, including traveling to the East Coast to help those affected by Hurricane Irene.

Michelle Muth never forgot how the Red Cross helped her and today helps others as a Red Cross volunteer.

Several years ago, Michelle Muth’s apartment was destroyed by fire. She awoke on a bitter cold morning to smoke and flames, fleeing her home with little or nothing. The Red Cross from the Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Regional Chapter was there with warm blankets, cups of hot coffee and words of sympathy and encouragement.

Over the years, Muth never forgot how the Red Cross helped her and decided it was time to give back. She became a disaster volunteer to help other victims learn they can rise from the ashes.

To help prevent a fire in your home, check each smoke alarm by pushing the test button at least once a month and replace batteries every year, or as needed. Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes from every room in the home and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the home. Practice the escape plan at least twice a year and revise as necessary. Families are encouraged to pay particular attention to developing and regularly practicing escape plans for children and older adults.

Additional recommendations include:

• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of reach of children.
• Don’t leave the kitchen, and don’t leave the home while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food.
• Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.

For more information on how to lessen the risk of a fire in your home, visit http://www.redcross.org/ for more steps you can take to remain safe.

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Home Fires Biggest Disaster Threat to Families in United States

Red Cross disaster relief volunteer Sharon Delmore (right) meets with Bobbie Bachan (left) after a fire disaster burned her house in Richfield, Minnesota, September 27, 2011. (Photo credit: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross)

The American Red Cross responded to more than 62,960 home fires during the 2011 fiscal year. House fires are the worst disaster threat to families in the United States. During Fire Prevention Month, the Red Cross encourages awareness of steps to take to prevent a house fire.

Home fires are devastating for the families involved, and the Red Cross lends a helping hand to those whose homes are affected. In East Providence, Rhode Island, 18 people were recently left homeless after fire destroyed their apartment building. In Hazleton, Pa., 17 people were forced out of their apartments when awakened by smoke and flames. In both instances, the Red Cross was on the scene.

To help avoid a fire in your home, there are steps you can take now:

• Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Across the country, cooler weather is settling in and people are relying on alternative heating sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, wood or coal stoves to take the chill off their homes. Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Other safety steps when using alternative heating sources include:

• Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
• Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
• Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• When buying a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically if the heater falls over as another safety measure.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.

During Fire Prevention Month, visit the Preparedness section of www.redcross.org for more steps to lessen the chance of a home fire.

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Help Save Lives with Red Cross Fire Safety Tips

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 63,000 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.

Here are steps you can take now to keep you and your family safe:

• Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Cooking Safely

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Stay in the home while simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food. Check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—like pot holders, towels, plastic and clothing— away from the stove.
• Keep pets off cooking surfaces and countertops to prevent them from knocking things onto the burner.

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
• Once a month check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low.
• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Never disable smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
• Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Fire Escape Planning

• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home.
• Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of fire.
• Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Business, 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 http://www.readyrating.org/. Complete a free, online assessment of your current readiness level and receive customized feedback with tips to improve preparedness.

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