The Seminole County Fire Department and the American Red Cross of Central Florida teamed up to bring fire alarms to hundreds of homes in Altamonte Springs.
Red Cross volunteers and the fire crew spent Saturday checking and installing free smoke alarms throughout the Fern Park area last weekend. The installation of these alarms is vital and greatly increases the chances of es caping fire that could break out in homes.
“Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives,” Red Cross stated.
According to the organization, efforts like this one have saved over 2,000 lives across the U.S. to date, including fire survivors from four Central Florida fires.
Every day, seven lives are lost to home fires. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of death in half. The non-profit has pushed this initiative with these “Sound the Alarm” events nation wide. The organization emphasizes two steps for maximum preparedness – practicing a 2 minute fire drill and testing smoke detectors monthly. They also recommend replacing your smoke alarms after 10 years.
There is an escape plan worksheet on SoundTheAlarm.com that guides families through fire exits in the home. Everyone in the house should know two ways to escape one room and The Red Cross stresses the importance of get ting out and staying out, not returning for peo ple, pets or things.
Home fires can be caused by faulty wiring, dryers, candles and other household hazards. The most likely place for fires to start is the kitchen. Last year, 93% of the 74,000 disasters the Red Cross responded to were fire-related. Pre vention of many of these incidents is very possi ble and resources are available through the organization’s website.
