The Red Cross message every household needs this Fire Prevention Week

Red Cross marks Fire Prevention Week with home fire safety advice

Fire Prevention Week focuses on home fire escape safety

The American Red Cross has marked Fire Prevention Week 2025 by urging US households to practise safe and rapid home fire escapes.

According to the organisation, home fires remain the leading cause of fire-related deaths in the US, claiming seven lives every day.

The Red Cross said home fires kill more people annually than all natural disasters combined.

This year’s campaign runs from Sunday 5 to Saturday 11 October and encourages families to plan and practise an escape that can be completed in under two minutes.

The Red Cross explained that fire experts believe people may have less than two minutes to safely exit a burning home once a smoke alarm sounds.

Red Cross offers practical safety guidance for households

The organisation shared several recommendations for creating and practising a home fire escape plan.

It advised that everyone in a household should know two escape routes from each room and agree on a meeting point outside, such as a neighbour’s home or a specific tree.

The Red Cross said residents should get low to avoid smoke and leave the property immediately, never going back inside for pets, belongings or other people.

Families are encouraged to time their practice drills to see how quickly everyone can exit.

Parents are also advised to teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and to discuss what to do during a fire.

Regular smoke alarm checks and replacements urged

The Red Cross reminded households to install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside and outside all sleeping areas.

It said alarms should be tested every month, and batteries changed at least once a year where required.

The organisation added that smoke alarms over ten years old should be replaced, as their sensors become less sensitive with age.

It advised following the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance.

The Red Cross also highlighted the importance of checking the alarm’s manufacture date and ensuring it sounds three beeps when tested.

Red Cross Home Fire Campaign reports more than 2,400 lives saved

Since launching its Home Fire Campaign in October 2014, the Red Cross has worked with partners nationwide to install free smoke alarms and promote fire safety.

The organisation said the campaign has saved at least 2,489 lives by helping families prepare escape plans and install alarms in high-risk areas.

Households can request a free smoke alarm and learn more about the campaign at redcross.org/homefires.

Cooking and heating remain leading fire causes

The Red Cross said cooking continues to be the number one cause of home fires, followed by heating equipment.

It urged households to take steps to reduce risks from these sources and follow safety tips provided on its website.

This year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is also drawing attention to the safe use of lithium-ion batteries, which power many consumer devices.

The NFPA said it is important for consumers to learn how to buy, charge and dispose of lithium batteries responsibly to prevent fire hazards.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This campaign reinforces key priorities for community fire prevention officers, educators and public information managers.

It provides a clear model for effective risk communication around escape planning, smoke alarm maintenance and household fire prevention.

For building and housing professionals, it highlights ongoing challenges in residential fire safety awareness and the critical role of accessible smoke alarm installation programmes.

Fire service leaders and prevention teams may find the Red Cross approach valuable for local outreach and education, particularly in high-risk communities.

It also aligns with broader NFPA safety messaging on emerging domestic fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries.

This article was informed by information from the following source: The American Red Cross