The American Red Cross of Central & South Texas is urging residents to take extra precautions during the holiday season, a period when the organization responds to about 20% more home fires than at other times of the year.
According to the Red Cross, home fires during November and December are often caused by cooking accidents, unattended candles and unsafe holiday decorations.
Officials say that taking basic safety steps — such as staying in the kitchen while cooking and checking lights and decorations for hazards — can help reduce the risk.
“One in five people the Red Cross assists after home fires are helped in just the holiday months,” said Javier Valdez, chief executive officer for the American Red Cross of Central & South Texas. “Home fires can strike quickly, leaving you with as little as two minutes to escape. Help protect your loved ones by practicing your home fire escape drill until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.”
Cooking risks remain the leading cause of home fires.
The Red Cross recommends staying in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food, turning off the stove when leaving the room, avoiding loose clothing while cooking and keeping children and pets at least three feet from the stove.
Flammable items such as potholders, packaging and towels should be kept clear of heat sources, and cooking surfaces should be cleaned regularly to prevent grease buildup. Residents are also encouraged to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and check all appliances before leaving home or going to bed.
Holiday decorating and heating equipment also pose seasonal hazards.
December is the peak month for candle fires in the United States, and heating devices continue to be a major cause of home fires and fatalities. The Red Cross advises giving all heating equipment at least three feet of clearance, never leaving space heaters unattended and placing them on hard, level, nonflammable surfaces.
Candles should be kept away from anything that could ignite and out of reach of pets and children.
Fire officials also stress the importance of working smoke alarms.
The Red Cross recommends installing alarms on every level of the home, near sleeping areas and inside bedrooms if doors are kept closed. R esidents should test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
Those unable to afford or install alarms may qualify for assistance through local Red Cross programs.
The safety reminders are part of the organization’s ongoing Home Fire Campaign, launched in 2014.
The Red Cross says the initiative has helped save at least 2,489 lives by providing fire-safety education, creating escape plans with families and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk communities.
More information about home fire safety, escape planning and the Red Cross Emergency app is available at redcross.org/fire.
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