Cooking fires are responsible for numerous injuries, deaths every year
During Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14), the American Red Cross serving River Valley Illinois, reminds everyone that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and issues safety steps to follow to help avoid one of these blazes.
“The top reason for cooking fires is someone leaving the stove unattended while cooking,” said Trish Burnett, Interim Executive Director, American Red Cross Serving River Valley Illinois. “Cooking brings family and friends together, but this normal, everyday activity can also lead to disaster. 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.
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.
HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES 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.
HOME FIRE RESPONSES Red Cross volunteers assisted 5 people affected by a home fire in Bolingbrook during the past week.
The Red Cross emergency financial assistance, food, relief items like toiletries, health and mental health services, and one-on-one support to connect people to available recovery assistance.
Please call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) if you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster.
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, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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