October 2, 2025 – Each year, American Red Cross volunteers support thousands of families affected by home fires, providing resources, comfort and hope on their road to recovery. During Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, the Red Cross urges everyone to take a few moments to develop fire-safe habits and create a home fire escape plan to help prevent tragedy.

Here in the North and Central Florida Region, Red Cross Disater Action Team (DAT) volunteers help nearly 3,000 families every year after a home fire, offering immediate financial assistance, emotional support and guidance for next steps.

"Our mission is simple but powerful: to help families prepare for, respond to, and recover from home fires -- the nation's most frequent disaster," said Christian Smith, CEO of the American Red Cross North and Central Florida Region. "Every smoke alarm installed, every fire drill practiced, and every family we help recover after a fire brings us one step closer to a safer, more resilient community."

According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires claimed more than 2,600 lives in the U.S. in 2024 -- an average of seven lives lost every day, most often in homes lacking working smoke alarms.

Since the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign began in 2014, the Red Cross and its community partners have saved at least 2,479 lives by installing free smoke alarms, helping families create escape plans and teaching fire safety across the country.

Many of us do everyday things that can spark a fire -- like walking away while cooking or forgetting to blow out a candle. That's why the Red Cross works year-round to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries through home fire safety education and outreach.

Pledge to Prepare Today

During Fire Prevention Week, make a pledge to protect your family from home fires -- the nation's most frequent disaster -- by taking two simple steps:

1. Practice a 2-minute fire drill. Create an escape plan with at least two ways out of every room and a safe meeting spot, such as a neighbor's driveway or a landmark tree. Practice until everyone can escape in less than two minutes.

2. Test smoke alarms monthly. If they don't sound when pressing the test button, replace the batteries (if required) or the entire unit if it's 10 years old or older. Install alarms on every level of the home, including inside and outside bedrooms.

Home Fire Safety Resources

The Red Cross offers programs and materials to help families learn about fire prevention and safety:

– Visit SoundTheAlarm.org/NCFL to learn more, register for a free smoke alarm, and receive a personalized home fire safety plan.

– Download fire safety checklists, fact sheets, and escape plan templates at redcross.org/fire.

– Get the free Red Cross Emergency App (search "American Red Cross" in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps).

Children can also learn fire safety skills through free Red Cross youth programs:

– Request preparedness programs for schools, groups, or organizations. Learn more at redcross.org/PrepareFlorida.

– Download age-appropriate activity books at redcross.org/YouthPrep.

– Enable Pedro's Fire Challenge skill on voice assistant-enabled devices to help kids practice fire safety habits.

About the American Red Cross of North and Central Florida 
The American Red Cross of North and Central Florida including the U.S. Virgin Islands serves 49 Florida counties through seven chapters: Northeast Florida (Jacksonville), Central Florida Coast (Orlando, Daytona Beach), Capital Area (Tallahassee), Northwest Florida (Pensacola, Panama City), North Central Florida (Gainesville), Tampa Bay; and the Virgin Islands territory of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. For more information, visit redcross.org/NCFL. Also find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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, pleaseplease visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media at @RedCross.

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