Red Cross Urges Caution Heating Homes This Winter
Home Heating Fires are the Leading Cause of Winter Fires, and the Third Leading Cause of Deaths

SOMERVILLE, NJ, January 5, 2007— As most of us enjoy the relatively mild temperatures in the Northeast this winter, the reality is that home fires are still occurring in our community. Since December 2006, the Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross has been called to respond to an average of almost one home fire a week, affecting at least 10 families in our area in a four week period. Although our chapter can provide immediate tangible aid to fire victims such as shelter and funding for food and clothing, losing the security of one’s home can have a devastating effect on people. There is no price that can be placed on the loss of personal memories and mementos destroyed or ultimately the loss of a loved one.

We know that temperatures will start to dip as they have across the country. The American Red Cross urges families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources, and to be prepared for the possibility of a home fire. Home heating fires increase during the late fall and winter months, and portable heater fires are more deadly than others. A recent Red Cross poll found that nearly half of American families use heating alternatives such as a space heater, a fireplace or a wood/coal stove to stay warm.

Fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined. The most vulnerable individuals in our community are the ones affected by this preventable disaster. Children under five make up 7 percent of the country’s population and yet they account for 14 percent of the home fire deaths in the country, a risk that is twice that national average. Adults 65 and older also face a risk factor twice the national average, while people 85 and older have three-and-a-half times more risk. The Red Cross urges families to develop a fire escape plan and to take steps toward fire prevention and safety. Preparedness is important for all families.

“Every year in Somerset County, home fires are the single most common disaster threat,” said Amy Sutton, Executive Director of the Greater Somerset County Red Cross. “Home heating fires are an issue but we see fires resulting from faulty heating and electrical systems as well as home chimneys. In 2006, our chapter was called in to assist 70 families affected by fire by providing immediate emergency assistance.”

“The good news is that preparing for a home fire doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment or training,” said Ms. Sutton. “In addition to functioning smoke alarms, one of the easiest ways to prepare is to develop and practice a home fire escape plan so that every family member, including young children and the elderly, can escape quickly and safely.”

Fire escape plans include at least two exit routes for every room in the home, and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the fire. Escape ladders should be used and stored near windows in floors above ground level, and all family members should know how to locate and use the ladders safely. Families should practice their escape plan at least twice a year.

Simple Tips to Prevent Home Heating Fires

• Keep all potential fuel sources (newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs) at least three feet away from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.
• Provide constant adult supervision in rooms with lit candles or fires.
• Keep fire in the fireplace by using glass or metal fire screens.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned if necessary.
• If you must use space heaters, place them on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross is available 24/7 to provide families relief in any type of natural or manmade disaster. This relief is only made possible by generous donations from people throughout Somerset County.

For more information on fire preparedness or to make a donation to support our disaster response in the community, please visit the Greater Somerset County Chapter website at www.redcross.org/nj/gscc , stop by our office at 14 West Cliff Street in Somerville or contact us at 908-725-2217.

Together We Prepare, Together We Can Save A Life

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