Red Cross urges families to plan, test smoke alarms during Fire Prevention Week

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas is reminding families to prepare for home fires during Fire Prevention Week, observed Oct. 5-11.

Home fires kill seven people a day in the U.S., more than all natural disasters combined, according to the Red Cross. Officials urge residents to test smoke alarms monthly and practice a home escape plan to ensure everyone can get out in less than two minutes.

“Home fires can occur any time, any place,” said Micheal Sullivan, executive director of the Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. This is critical because fire experts say you may have less than two minutes to escape before it’s too late.”

Fire safety tips

Make sure everyone in the household knows two ways to escape from each room.

Stay low to avoid smoke while exiting.

Choose a safe meeting place outside, such as a neighbor’s home or a landmark in the yard.

Once out, stay out — never re-enter for people, pets or belongings.

Practice fire drills and time your escape.

Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and explain what to do if they hear one.

Smoke alarm safety

Install alarms on every level of the home, inside and outside bedrooms.

Test alarms monthly and replace batteries yearly if needed.

Replace alarms at least every 10 years, as sensors lose sensitivity over time.

Red Cross response

Local Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers respond to most of the 65,000 emergencies the organization handles each year. So far in 2025, volunteers have responded to more than 160 home fires in Southeast Missouri and select Illinois counties, and over 1,100 across Missouri. Volunteers provide emotional support, financial assistance and recovery information to families.

“During what can be the worst days of people’s lives, our volunteers bring comfort and hope,” Sullivan said.

How to get help

Free smoke alarm installation: Visit Smoke Alarm Request | Missouri Red Cross.

Donate: Support Red Cross fire relief efforts at SoundTheAlarm.org or text HOMEFIRE to 90999 to donate $10.