BEND, Ore. — The American Red Cross of Central and Eastern Oregon is urging residents to take fire safety seriously during Fire Prevention Week, reminding families that house fires remain the nation’s most frequent and deadly disaster.
Across the United States, seven people die every day in home fires — a sobering statistic that underscores the importance of working smoke alarms and escape planning.
Red Cross: Plan, Prepare, and Practice
Morgan Schmidt, Executive Director of the regional Red Cross chapter, said prevention starts at home with awareness and preparation.
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“We want to remind people to make a plan with their family,” Schmidt said. “Every room in your house should have two exits so that you can get out safely. Decide on a meeting place across or down the street — somewhere everyone knows to go in case of a fire.”
Schmidt emphasized that once outside, no one should re-enter a burning home. “They may have already gotten out. We don’t want anyone harmed by going back into a dangerous situation,” she added.
The Red Cross warns that in the event of a fire, residents may have less than two minutes to escape. “Smoke is toxic, and visibility drops quickly,” Schmidt said. “Stay low and go — crawling under the smoke can make the difference between life and death.”
Checking and Maintaining Smoke Alarms
The Red Cross also reminded homeowners not to neglect the simplest lifesaving device: the smoke detector.
“Make sure you haven’t taken the batteries out of your smoke detector for something else, or hit it with a broom because you burned something in the kitchen,” Schmidt said. “Test them every month, replace batteries regularly, and remember that even hard-wired alarms only last about 10 years before they need replacement.”
A properly functioning smoke alarm can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half, according to the organization. Yet, thousands of homes across Oregon still lack adequate coverage or have expired alarms.
Red Cross Home Fire Campaign: Saving Lives Nationwide
Since launching its Home Fire Campaign, the American Red Cross and its community partners have saved at least 2,479 lives by installing free smoke alarms, providing fire safety education, and helping families develop evacuation plans.
The campaign focuses on vulnerable neighborhoods where older homes, limited resources, or lack of awareness increase the risk of fatal fires.
In Central Oregon, Red Cross volunteers are offering free smoke detector inspections, testing, and replacements for residents who sign up. The organization encourages everyone — homeowners, renters, and landlords alike — to ensure that smoke detectors are properly installed and functioning.
How to Schedule a Free Safety Check
Residents can call 541-749-4144 to request a free smoke alarm inspection and installation from Red Cross volunteers. The service includes testing existing detectors, replacing batteries, and installing new alarms if needed.
“The best way to protect your loved ones is to be proactive,” Schmidt said. “A few minutes of preparation today could save your family’s life tomorrow.”
For more information, visit redcross.org/homefires or contact the Red Cross of Central and Eastern Oregon directly.
