Red Cross, Bend Fire partner in home fire preparedness
Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?
The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington responds to an average of two home fires every day. And more than 60 percent of fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm.
“Home fires are the biggest disaster threat to families in the United States,” said Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Central and Eastern Oregon Emily Wegener. “Our goal is educate as many homeowners as possible about home fire safety and the importance of making a fire escape plan.”
The American Red Cross has launched a national campaign to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent over the next five years. In Oregon, this campaign is in conjunction with the Office of State Fire Marshal and will bring Red Cross and community volunteers to more than a dozen communities.
On Saturday, May 2, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5 p.m., trained Red Cross volunteers, in partnership with the Bend Fire Department, will canvass homes in the 97702 ZIP code to inquire if there is a working smoke alarm in the residence, install smoke alarms free of charge, review a fire safety and home hazard checklist, and provide information about creating a fire escape plan. In addition, volunteers will share additional home fire and other emergency-preparedness information with residents.
Volunteers are needed for this important outreach effort and training will be provided at 10:00 a.m. the day of the event. Individuals, faith-based groups, local business and organizations are welcome to participate. For additional information or to register to volunteer, visit www.redcross.org/cascadeshfpc.
The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness: Get informed. Make a Plan. Build a Kit., and suggests taking a few moments to review your family’s exit plan should there be a fire in your home. Know what to do before, during and after a home fire. This information, and more, is available at www.redcross.org or in a free Prepare! Resource Guide published by the American Red Cross Cascades Region. The guide can be downloaded at http://rdcrss.org/1zq8XW6.
