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PARKERSBURG — The American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region wants to remind everyone of the dangers of home fires, which claim seven lives every day in the U.S., during Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11.

“Home fires can occur any time, any place,” Regional Executive Erica Mani said, “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 a burning home before it’s too late.”

Parkersburg Fire Chief Jason Matthews also said a smoke detector is the best defense to warn people of a possible fire and that each household should have multiple detectors.

“We advise them to have one in every sleeping room and on every floor,” Matthews said.

To help protect your household, the American Red Cross said to test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.

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They provided these tips for creating your home fire escape plan and practicing your two-minute drill:

– Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home.

– Smoke is dangerous. Get low and go!

– Decide where to meet once you get outside. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as a neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.

– Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things.

– If a fire starts, you may have less than two minutes to get to safety. Time your fire drill and find out: what’s your escape time?

– While practicing your escape plan, teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.

Smoke alarm safety:

– Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

– In addition to testing your alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.

– Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Matthews said this year’s Fire Prevention Week is also focusing on lithium ion battery safety.

“These kinds of fires can happen very quickly and can release some very toxic smoke,” Matthews said.

He said hazardous conditions can occur by overcharging, charging devices unattended, charging devices on a surface that is considered flammable – such as a couch or bed – and using the wrong charging cables.

“Always try to use the manufacturing cable provided with your device,” Matthews said. “If you have to replace a cord, make sure they match the device you need it for.”

He said to also check for safety certifications on devices before purchasing them.

The local Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers provide emotional support, financial assistance and information to help families begin the process of recovery after a fire. Most of the 65,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are home fires, they said. They said so far this year, local Red Cross Disaster Action teams have responded to more than 800 home fires providing assistance to nearly 2,000 individuals across the Central Appalachia Region. They said for emergencies like home fires, their volunteers provide comfort during what can be the worst days of people’s lives. To learn how you can volunteer for the Disaster Action Team visit: redcross.org/DAT.

The American Red Cross said since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, have saved 2,489 lives nationally including 148 in our region by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. There have been nearly 63,000 free smoke alarms installed in more than 24,000 homes throughout the region.

Matthews said the Parkersburg Fire Department offers free smoke alarms year-round and access is based on income. He said the fire department also offers free installation for those who purchase their own but want expert advice on where to place them.

“We’ll come and install them in the best places for them,” Matthews said.

For those interested in applying for free smoke alarms, or for help with installation, Matthews said to call 304-424-8470 or visit any of the fire stations in Parkersburg.