Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
Lily.McCormick@redcross.org | 385-584-7610
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 5, 2025) — During Fire Prevention Week, October 5–11, the American Red Cross of Utah is emphasizing the importance of fire safety by encouraging residents to check and replace outdated smoke alarms in their homes.
So far in 2025, the Red Cross has responded to nearly 120 home fires across Utah, providing assistance to almost 550 people. Nationally, home fires account for the majority of the 65,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to each year.
“Checking smoke alarms and creating an escape plan can take less than ten minutes but can save lives when a home fire strikes,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “It’s a simple yet powerful way to protect your loved ones.”
Red Cross Home Fire Campaign
The Red Cross of Utah is also reminding residents to install and routinely test smoke alarms as part of Fire Prevention Week.
A recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Fire Protection Research Foundation found that while many homes have smoke alarms, over 60% of households do not test them as often as recommended, and 33% of homes never test their alarms.
The Red Cross recommends having at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home and testing them monthly by pressing the “test” button to ensure they work.
Free smoke alarm installations are available across Utah through the Red Cross’s Sound the Alarm program. During installation appointments, the Red Cross also provides fire safety education and helps families create personalized escape plans. To schedule an appointment, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah.
“Typically, you have about two minutes to escape a home fire,” said Donner. “It’s vital to include everyone in your escape plan, including children, pets, and adults, to ensure everyone gets out safely.”
Lithium-Ion Batteries in the Home
Lithium-ion battery fires can occur for several reasons, including physical damage (such as punctures or exposure to water), electrical issues (like overcharging or using incompatible chargers), extreme temperatures or product defects. The NFPA offers these three tips for safe usage:
Buy Certified Products: Look for safety certification marks like UL, ETL, or CSA on lithium-ion batteries to ensure they meet safety standards.
Charge Safely: Use the manufacturer’s specified cord, follow all instructions, and charge devices on hard surfaces. Unplug or remove the battery once fully charged.
Recycle Responsibly: Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling bin, as this could start a fire. Instead, recycle them at a certified battery recycling location. Visit Call2Recycle.org to find a location to recycle batteries.
For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, visit NFPA.org/FPW.
About Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week, established in 1922 by the National Fire Protection Association, is the longest-running public awareness campaign in the United States. It is observed annually during the week of October 9 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which caused devastating loss of life and property. Since 1925, it has been recognized under a Presidential proclamation.
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.
