LOS ANGELES, September 30, 2021 — This Fire Prevention Week (October 3-9), the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region urges you to test your smoke alarms before the threat of home fires increases with cold weather.
The Red Cross responds to 27% more home fires in November-March than in warmer months. According to the National Fire Protection Association — which is sponsoring Fire Prevention Week with the theme, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” — home fires are most common in cooler months when people spend more time inside, and cooking and heating equipment are the leading causes of these crises.
“Every day, people’s lives are devastated by home fires — a threat that’s increasing as winter approaches,” said Thomas Hill, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross Los Angeles. “Help keep your family safe by testing your smoke alarms and practicing your two-minute fire escape drill.”
Since the beginning of 2021, Red Cross volunteers have responded to 265 home fires in Los Angeles, providing more than 1,600 residents support and guidance through their disaster recovery journey. Home fires account for 90% of all disaster responses.