St. Croix, USVI – October 8, 2025 – During Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, the American 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.

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.

"The Red Cross works year-round to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries through home fire safety education and outreach," said Tina Beazer, senior officer of the American Red Cross of the U.S. Virgin Islands. "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."

Earlier this year, Red Cross volunteers, the V.I. Fire Service and community partners hosted Sound the Alarm home fire safety events on St. Croix and St. Thomas as part of our nationwide Home Fire Campaign. Since this effort began in 2014, at least 2,479 lives across the U.S. have been saved by installing free smoke alarms, helping families create escape plans and teaching fire safety.

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:
 

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

• If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install them, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact our local offices at 340-778-5104 (St. Croix) or 340-774-0375 (St. Thomas) to inquire.

• 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. Contact our local offices at 340-778-5104 (St. Croix) or 340-774-0375 (St. Thomas) to inquire.

• 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. 

The American Red Cross of the U.S. Virgin Islands has offices in St. Croix and St. Thomas (serving St. Thomas, St. John and the Water Island districts). Call us at 340-778-5104 (St. Croix) or 340-774-0375 (St. Thomas). For more information, please visit redcross.org/USVI or facebook.com/RedCrossUSVI.

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 @RedCross.

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