Binghamton Family's Story on Today Show Highlights Importance of Fire Prevention Week

This week marks Fire Prevention Week in the United States. Many organizations, including the American Red Cross, use this week to remind people of what they should be doing every day of the year.  One such story that highlights this is out of Binghamton. The Aissa family shared their heartbreaking story on the Today Show Tuesday. It highlights the importance of being prepared in case of a fire so you know what to do if one does happen in your home. 

Research shows fire departments respond to about 366,600 home fires a year across the United States. In those fires, more than 2,500 people die every year and about 13,000 others are hurt. The most common cause of these home fires is cooking.  

In our region, we have had a number of fires during the past few weeks. Some of these fires could have been prevented, while others may have not been. Accidents do happen, but you can take steps to drastically reduce the chance of a fire in your home.  Included in these steps is having a working smoke detector. Smoke detectors save lives and are available through the Red Cross and/or local fire departments as well as retail stores.   You can find more safety tips here:  http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/home-fire

Now that you have read the safety tips, just how fire safety savvy are you? Take the quiz to find out! 

Team Firestopper

On March 29th, at eight locations across the Western New York/Finger Lakes Region, the American Red Cross-along with Project Paradigm and the Children's Fire & Burn Fund-presented Team Firestopper, a fire prevention fair, to residents in "at risk" communities. The first one hundred visitors to each location were given a smoke detector. This smoke detector lasts for ten years without needing to change a battery.

At the fair, several stations were set up to focus on various parts of fire prevention and first aid. Members of local fire departments gave demonstrations on how to properly use a fire extinguisher, medical personnel taught visitors how to do hands on CPR in the case of an emergency and bank representatives spoke about fire insurance. Red Cross volunteers provided tips on how to develop an escape plan and a first aid/fire prepardedness kit for homeowners. Volunteers also provided similar materials catered to children about fires and fire safety.

An average of $1,000 is spent for a family of four after a house fire. That money includes vouchers for food, clothing and shelter for those requiring those services. All of the money used to support these families is made possible through the generosity of donors.

For more on fire safety tips, visit:  http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/prevent-home-fires