October 9-15 is Fire Prevention Week

American Red Cross volunteer inspects the damage of a house fire in Central Texas.

Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, and the American Red Cross encourages families to learn more about fire prevention and what to do in case of a fire.    

House fires are the number one disaster that Americans face, and as the holidays and cold weather approach, house fires tend to increase. Locally, the American Red Cross of Central Texas alone responds to an average of one house fire every two days. 

Here are a few tips on how to keep your home safe:

• Make sure there is a working smoke alarm in every level of your home. Batteries should be replaced every year for most standard alarms.
• Develop an escape plan. It is important that everyone in your home to have an immediate escape plan in case of a fire.
• Keep matches and other fire related items away from children.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire like dish towels and plastic away from stove when cooking .  

In the coming weeks we will have more information on how to keep your home safe during the holiday season.