The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many things to South Florida. These include stress, cancellation of events, and social distancing. According to the American Red Cross, the pandemic has increased the number of home fires, as more individuals work from home.
Over a 12-day period, the American Red Cross has responded to over 30 home fires in South Florida. They have also provided emergency assistance to 130 individuals in the region. In the United States, home fires take seven lives daily.
Thus, it is important to be prepared. Residents need to know the proper precautions to take in order to assure your home is safe.
First, be sure you have the proper number of smoke alarms in your home and that they are working properly. Test them once each month and replace the batteries once each year. Also, have fire drills in your home at least twice a year so your family knows how to escape your house.
In addition, be sure to educate your children on what to do if a fire were to occur. Educate your family members on how to escape each room of your home through two different exits and establish a meeting spot outside of your house.
Further, establish an emergency communication plan with your family to be sure they know who to contact if you cannot find one another. Practice the well-known stop, drop and roll drill in case anyone’s clothes catch fire.
In a press release, CEO of South Florida Red Cross, Joanna Nowlin, expressed her concern. “Our Red Cross team members are responding to home fires at an alarming rate and we want to make sure everyone is taking the necessary steps to stay safe.”
For more information, visit the Red Cross website.
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