This past weekend there were two home fire deaths in Minnesota. One was a woman 25 years old and the other was a girl 5 years old. These sad and tragic deaths bring the number of home fire deaths to 46 this year in Minnesota. And like the people closest to these disasters, we feel our heart break each time we learn of a home fire death, and we especially feel the heart ache when Red Cross volunteers are responding to these disasters, helping the survivors rebuild their lives.
We do not know details about how the most recent home fires started. But we encourage everyone to practice home fire safety, especially during the busy holiday season. Here are several resources that will get you started:
- 7 fire safety tips for holiday decorating and entertaining
- Stay safe as you cook that holiday meal
- Prepare for and prevent home fires
- Develop a home fire escape plan
One thing we’re passionate about is making sure that every household has working smoke alarms. Please check the alarms in your home to see if they’re working. If not, replace the batteries or the alarms. We can help you do this. Our Home Fire Campaign makes it possible for the Red Cross to install free smoke alarms that will help save lives during home fires.
Remember: if a fire starts in your home get out to safety, and then dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.
American Red Cross 