Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 9, 2022) — During the 100^th Fire Prevention Week, Oct 9-15, the American Red Cross of Utah urges residents to create and practice a two-minute home fire escape plan and test smoke alarms to be prepared for a home fire, the nation’s most frequent disaster.
“Fire experts say you may only have two minutes to safely escape a home fire before it’s too late,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire or that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years. Taking action with this knowledge can be the difference between survival and tragedy.”

Red Cross volunteers and staff often respond to home fires, which can leave a family devastated and in need of immediate assistance. “Our Disaster Action Team members provide emotional support, access to financial assistance, and valuable information to help families begin to recover,” Lafranca said.

Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners will also share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.

Fire Prevention Week was started in 1922 by the National Fire Protection Association to educate the public about how to stay safe during fires. It is observed each year the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began October 8, 1871, and caused devastating loss of life and property.

“If you cannot afford a smoke alarm or you are physically unable to install one or check the batteries, contact the Red Cross of Utah, we may be able to help,” Lafranca said. “Fire Prevention Week is an important reminder to practice your two-minute home fire escape drill and test your smoke alarms.”

Everyone should have a two-minute home fire escape plan. Here’s how to get started

• Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home. This could be your neighbor’s home or a landmark, such as a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.
• Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.
• Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and what to do in an emergency.
• Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If it’s 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced because components such as batteries can become less reliable. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
• Include at least two ways to exit every room in your home.
• Tailor your escape plan to everyone’s needs. If you or a loved one is deaf or hard of hearing, install strobe light and bed-shaker alarms. Visit redcross.org/ASL-disaster-resources for more information, including resources in American Sign Language.
• Practice your plan with everyone in your household.

Visit redcross.org/fire for more information
This includes a printable escape plan and safety tips for cooking and home heating — the leading causes of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association, sponsors of Fire Prevention Week with the theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.”

Home fire campaign saves lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save more than 1,300 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans, and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.