EUGENE, Ore. April 15, 2021 - Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire – and they haven’t stopped during COVID-19. Across the Cascades Region, the Red Cross responds to, on average, 2-3 home fires every day.

That’s why the American Red Cross is encouraging families to take two simple steps now to help act quickly in the face of a home fire:

1. Practice your two-minute escape drill.
2. Test your smoke alarms monthly.

To help make homes safer, trained Red Cross volunteers are conducting free 1-on-1 preparedness sessions with interested individuals and families who register during our Sound the Alarm Campaign. This is an opportunity to talk through home fire safety tips, discuss a home fire escape plan and learn how to test your smoke alarms. These education sessions are available in both English and Spanish. 

Registering for an appointment is easy and can be done by visiting www.redcross.org/CascadesFireSafety or calling 541-749-4144.

Home fire safety tips:

• In your escape plan, include at least two ways to exit every room in your home.
• Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.
• Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.
• Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

Learn more: Visit redcross.org/CascadesFireSafety for more information, including a home fire escape plan to create and practice with your household.