The American Red Cross wants you safe and protected and that is why we are rallying to have 50,000 free smoke alarms installed across the country. Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster with an average of 7 deaths and 30 injuries every day including $7 billion in property damage yearly. That is why the Red Cross is sounding the alarm about home fire safety through volunteering, education, and financial assistance.

PROTECT YOURSELF BEFORE THERE’S A FIRE Prepare yourself by Installing Fire Alarms inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas on every level in your home. Test Smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working properly. Have a fire escape plan and practice it monthly. Get familiar with operating a fire extinguisher. The following are fire escape plan maps for Single Family Home, Multi-family home, High – Rise Apartment Complex.  

PROTECT YOURSELF IF THERE’S A FIRE Get out, stay out and Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Alert others by loudly yelling “Fire” multiple times and go outside immediately. Use the stairs and not elevators. Leave all your belongings and save yourself.

Never open doors or handles that are warm. Use your second way out when closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route.

If flames, heat and\or smoke block your escape route, close the door, and stay in the room. If possible, place a wet towel under the door and call 9-1-1 or the local emergency phone number. Get a window open and wave a flashlight or white colored cloth to signal for help. When outside, go to your meeting place and send someone to call the fire department. If you cannot make it to your meeting place, follow your family’s emergency communication plan. If your clothes are on fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL. Cover your face while rolling if you can and roll back and forth until the flame goes out. Cool the burned skin for 3 -5 minutes with water once the flames are out. Seek medical attention.

PROTECT YOURSELF AFTER A FIRE Get First aid. Cool and cover burns if injured. Let family and friends know you are okay. Seek medical help immediately for seriously injured people and animals. Do not re-enter fire damaged home until fire authorities say it is safe to enter.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Join the Red Cross and Install Free Smoke alarms. Share Safety Information. Help families prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires through donations and fundraising.

Get registered at soundthealarm.org/txgulfcoast for your free smoke alarm installation on May 21, 2022.

Join us at a Sound the Alarm event near you and invite others to fundraise or simply donate to help save lives.