By Joshita Yellapu and Zasha Zafeer/American Red Cross

Imagine hearing a smoke alarm and seeing smoke spreading through your home. In just moments, a fire can become life-threatening. The good news is that simple steps taken today can help prevent home fires and save lives.

The American Red Cross encourages families to test smoke alarms, practice a two-minute home fire escape plan and take steps to reduce fire risks in and around the home.

Test Your Smoke Alarms

Working smoke alarms can cut your risk of dying in a fire nearly in half. Properly installed smoke alarms reduce fire deaths and injuries by warning you early so that you can get out in time. Install alarms on every story, inside all bedrooms and in shared areas.

• Check your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they work.
• If your smoke alarm uses batteries, change them twice annually.
• Replace smoke alarms after 10 years of service.

Create a Home Fire Safety Plan

When a home fire occurs, every second matters. Create and practice a fire escape plan, so everyone knows how to get out quickly and safely.

• Identify at least two ways out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside where everyone will gather.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
• Once outside, stay outside and call 911.
• Never re-enter a burning building.

Reduce Fire Dangers Inside the Home
Many home fires start from everyday hazards, including heating equipment, cooking appliances, electrical issues and rechargeable batteries. Talk with neighbors about how you can support one another during an emergency.

Cooking Safety

• Stay in the kitchen whenever you are using the stove or cooktop.
• Keep flammable items such as towels, curtains, paper products and plastic containers away from heat sources.
• Never use water on a grease fire. Keep a metal lid nearby to smother a grease fire if one occurs.

Heating and Electrical Safety

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters, fireplaces and other heat sources.
• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords or power strips.
• Regularly inspect and replace appliances with frayed cords.
• If you have concerns about your home's electrical system, contact a licensed electrician to inspect it.

Battery Safety

• Only use rechargeable batteries if recommended by the manufacturer and plug them directly into an outlet.
• Avoid overloading outlets and keep loose batteries away from metal objects such as coins or keys.
• Lithium-ion batteries and battery packs should only be repaired by qualified professionals.

Get Out, Stay Out and Call 911

• When a fire starts, the most important thing is to get out, stay out, and call for help.
• Get everyone out immediately, call 911 from a safe location and, if it can be done safely, take pets with you.
• If your home is filled with smoke, get low and crawl toward an exit or a space where the air is clear.
• Feel doors and window handles with the back of your hands. If it’s hot, find another exit. If your clothes catch fire, remember to Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Follow Local Ordinances About Outside Burning

• Check local burn restrictions before conducting any outdoor burning, including household trash, garden waste and open campfires without a fire pit.
• Check with your local fire marshal for the status of burn bans in your area.

Fire safety isn't about being afraid. It's about being prepared. Through its Sound the Alarm campaign, the American Red Cross helps families prevent and prepare for home fires. Learn more in English and Spanish, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.