American Red Cross asks you to make a plan to protect yourself from fires

With fire season upon us, it is very important that we are prepared and one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and our home against fire is to identify and eliminate hazards.

According to the American Red Cross, 65 percent of home fire deaths occur in homes without working or non-functioning smoke detectors. That’s why experts stress that during a home fire, smoke detectors and a regularly practiced fire escape plan can save lives.

So here are some recommendations from the American Red Cross to protect our home against fire.

First, as I mentioned, smoke detectors save lives. It is important to install a smoke detector at the exit of each bedroom and another one on each floor of your home.

Also, if your home sleeps with the doors closed, install smoke detectors in the bedrooms as well.

The American Red Cross suggests you push the test button once a month to check the operation of each detector. If necessary, change the batteries immediately. Batteries should be changed at least once a year.
It is also important to dust and vacuum the cobwebs from each detector monthly.

One thing to consider is having one or more fire extinguishers in your home.

Remember that detectors lose resistance over time, so it’s important to replace them every 10 years.

Or if you can install an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home, it may be very appropriate.

Also remember that you can get training from the fire department on how to use fire extinguishers and other measures to be safe in the event of a fire.

It is very important that in the event of a fire you know what to do and plan your exit routes.

The American Red Cross gives us some recommendations such as identifying at least two ways out of every room in your home. Think about having emergency stairs for bedrooms on the second or third floor, learn how to use them and place them near the windows.

It is very important to be prepared for a fire, as you know fires are one of the most common disasters. They cause more deaths than any other type of disaster. But fires should not be fatal if you hear the alarm of your smoke detector in time and all members of your family know how to calmly leave the house.

Ricardo Alterno, spokesman for the American Red Cross, explains in a video as part of their campaigns to support the population. Let’s listen to part of what Ricardo Alterno says about the shelters that the organization has for the community and above all remember that to use them does not matter your immigration status.

As part of the Prevention Plan, it is good to select a place outside your home where everyone can meet after going out. But one very important thing is to rehearse the exit plan at least twice a year.

That’s why the American Red Cross asks you to please take seriously the responsibility of planning and rehearsing what to do in the event of a fire. Be prepared, meet to discuss and finalize the design of your family fire plan.

For more information, visit the American Red Cross website and social media sites for videos explaining the services provided by the organization.