TYLER, Texas — As families spend more time outdoors this summer, the American Red Cross East Texas Chapter is encouraging families to make sure their homes are protected with working smoke alarms while also practicing heat, grilling and water safety. 

Home fires remain one of the most frequent disasters the Red Cross responds to every day. Through the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, volunteers install smoke alarms free of charge in homes that need them and help families create fire escape plans, helping make homes and neighborhoods safer. 

“Summer is a busy time for families, but it’s also important to take simple steps to stay safe both inside and outside,” said Karen Holt, executive director of the American Red Cross East Texas Chapter. “Our goal is to make sure every home has a working smoke alarm. It’s a simple step that can help save lives.” 

East Texans who need smoke alarms installed in their home, or know someone who does, are encouraged to schedule a free appointment with the Red Cross.  

The Red Cross also encourages families to keep these summer safety tips in mind: 

• Never leave children unattended near water and always designate a “water watcher” to actively supervise swimmers. 

• Nobody should ever swim alone — children and adults alike. 

• Have inexperienced swimmers wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water. 

• Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. 

• Wear lightweight clothing and sunscreen when spending time outdoors. 

• Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles. 

• Keep grills away from homes, decks and dry grass and never leave them unattended. 

To schedule a free smoke alarm installation appointment, visit www.redcross.org/NTXAlarmRequest

For more summer safety information, visit redcross.org/summersafety

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 follow us on social media.