By: Gregory Elgee, American Red Cross Volunteer

In alignment with their mission to prepare families for the threat of a home fire, the American Red Cross conducted a home fire preparedness visit at Scriber Gardens, a retirement community in Lynnwood, Washington. As a volunteer photographer, I joined the team to document the event and engage with residents—many of whom are Navy veterans.

Although home fires are most common during the winter months, the risk persists year-round. Spring offers an ideal opportunity to revisit home safety, and the Red Cross outreach team focused on providing residents with clear, practical steps to help reduce fire risks and increase emergency readiness.

Volunteers went door to door, offering informal consultations on evacuation planning, household hazards, and general preparedness. One issue that came up in several homes was clutter, especially in hallways, kitchens, and near exits. While commonplace, items such as boxes, stools or clothing piles can unintentionally create safety concerns by limiting mobility or adding fuel to a fire. Maintaining clear pathways throughout the home is a small but impactful step toward a safer living space.

Many residents shared that they hadn’t reviewed their fire safety practices in some time and, in some cases, changes in mobility or layout hadn’t been factored into their plans. These conversations led to helpful reminders and new considerations about what an effective evacuation strategy might look like today.

Several of the veterans we met had extensive backgrounds in emergency response and high-stakes situations during their service. That experience fosters a strong sense of confidence and composure, both of which are assets in any crisis. At the same time, home fires unfold differently than structured emergency scenarios in the military. For example, residential fires often escalate rapidly, and the environment may include obstacles, pets, or limited exits.

According to FEMA, nearly 60% of Americans haven’t practiced what to do in a disaster, even though most believe they are prepared. Red Cross outreach isn’t about questioning anyone’s training—it’s about helping everyone adapt that training to the realities of their current environment. Some of the key takeaways covered during the visit included:
 

• Creating and practicing an evacuation plan
• Reducing clutter in walkways and near exits
• Keeping cords and electrical cables organized and away from heat sources or high-traffic areas, as tangled or damaged wires can present a fire hazard
• Staying attentive while cooking—especially when using stovetops
• Regularly cleaning out toaster ovens to prevent buildup of crumbs or food debris, which can ignite and cause fires
  
   

While volunteers didn’t go into detail about smoke alarms during this visit, the Red Cross regularly hosts events called Sound the Alarm, which focus on smoke alarm education and installation. These events offer comprehensive demonstrations, personalized safety planning, and free smoke alarms for households that need them.

Washington is home to more than half a million veterans, giving it one of the highest veteran populations in the country. Communities like Scriber Gardens reflect that legacy of service—and they also reflect the importance of making sure every household, regardless of age or experience, is equipped to stay safe.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a home safety visit or would like more information about Red Cross fire prevention services, visit redcross.org/nwhomefire to learn more.