During Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 8-14), the American Red Cross of Northern New England reminds everyone that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and issues safety steps to follow to help avoid one of these blazes.
“Cooking brings family and friends together, but this normal, everyday activity can also lead to disaster,” said John Montes, regional disaster officer. “In fact, cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. To help keep your loved ones safe, it’s important to stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking.”
Follow these 10 steps to help stay safe while cooking:
If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for more information.
If you need a smoke alarm for your home, the Red Cross encourages you to sign up. The smoke alarm and installation are free. To request an alarm or to sign-up for the installation event near you, visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/me-nh-vt/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign/smoke-alarm-request-nh-vt.html
Download the Red Cross First Aid app for quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. Find all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 1,928 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.