South Carolina — As temperatures drop, the American Red Cross of South Carolina is urging families to take precautions to heat their homes safely and prevent fires.
“Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country,” said Yolonda Gainwell, Interim CEO of the Red Cross of South Carolina. “Help keep your family safe by providing at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, testing your smoke alarms monthly, and practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan.”
Winter Fire Risks
Home fire responses in South Carolina increase by about 30% during colder months. The Red Cross responds to an average of six home fires daily across the state, and recent weeks have seen a spike in residential fires, particularly in multifamily homes.
Tony Reid, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross of South Carolina, emphasized the need for support. “This means more families displaced and more individuals who need our assistance. We’re calling for more volunteers to join us in responding to frequent local home fires.”
Tips for Heating Your Home Safely
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that space heaters are a leading cause of home heating fires. To stay safe, follow these tips:
- Space Heaters: Never leave them unattended. Place on level, hard, nonflammable surfaces (e.g., ceramic tile). Avoid rugs, carpets, bedding, or drapes.
- Cords: Plug space heaters directly into outlets, not extension cords. Turn them off before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Safety Zone: Keep children, pets, and flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment.
- Stoves and Ovens: Do not use cooking ranges or ovens for home heating.
- Fireplaces: Never leave a fire burning unattended. Extinguish embers before sleeping or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen.
- Inspections: Have furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces, and stoves inspected annually by professionals.
Prevent Home Fire Tragedies
Test smoke alarms monthly and practice a fire escape plan until everyone can exit in under two minutes. For those unable to afford smoke alarms or install them, the Red Cross may offer assistance.
Visit redcross.org/fire for fire safety resources, including escape plans. The free Red Cross First Aid and Emergency apps can provide guidance and alerts in emergencies.
About the Home Fire Campaign
Since 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has saved at least 2,246 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them develop escape plans, and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas.
To learn more about the campaign or to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
