NEW ORLEANS — As a prolonged winter weather system continues to grip Louisiana, the American Red Cross is responding to a dangerous spike in residential fires while simultaneously maintaining widespread sheltering and mass care operations. 

Since Jan. 21, Red Cross disaster action teams have responded to 44 single-family home fires and two multi-family fires across the state. This increase in fire activity often coincides with extreme cold as residents turn to alternative heating sources that, if used improperly, can lead to tragedy. 

While responding to home fires, the Red Cross remains fully engaged in winter storm relief. Currently, the Red Cross is managing six shelters across the state, serving more than 120 residents. Additionally, the Red Cross is supporting 21 partner shelters and 19 warming centers, ensuring those without power or heat have a safe place to go. 

"Our mission is only possible through the tireless work of our community partners and the generosity of our donors, whose support allows us to be there for our neighbors when the lights go out and temperatures drop," said Kenneth St. Charles Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the Louisiana Region of the American Red Cross. "Whether we are providing a warm cot in a shelter or helping a family recover from a devastating fire, we are in this together with the people of Louisiana." 

HEATING SAFETY TIPS 
As power outages persist and the cold lingers, the Red Cross urges residents to follow these safety guidelines: 

• Three-Foot Rule: Keep anything that can burn—including furniture, curtains, and bedding at least three feet away from heating equipment. 

• Space Heaters: Place heaters on a level, hard surface and plug them directly into wall outlets. Never use an extension cord or power strip. 

• Supervision: Turn off portable heaters when leaving a room or going to bed. 

• Generators: Never use a generator, grill, or camp stove inside a home, garage, or out-building. This creates a risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. 

• Never leave a car running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open. 
   

NEED A SMOKE ALARM? 
The American Red Cross installs free smoke alarms in homes as part of their "Sound the Alarm" initiative to reduce home fire deaths. Volunteers install alarms with 10-year, non-replaceable batteries and help families create emergency escape plans. Residents can request these free services by calling 504-620-3142 or by visiting the Louisiana Red Cross website.     

SHELTERING AND WARMING CENTER STATUS 
For updates on the latest shelters locations, call 211, visit redcross.org/shelter, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or download the free Red Cross Emergency App from your app store, available in both in English and Spanish.  

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.