OKANOGAN – In the wake of several recent home fires, the North Cascades chapter of the American Red Cross urges families to follow safety tips to prevent fires.
     “Many home fires can be prevented, and that’s what makes this type of disaster so devastating,” Programs Administrator Barbara Locklear said.
     According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year nearly 47,000 fires occur nationally during winter. They claim more than 500 lives, cause more than 2,200 injuries and cost $554 million in property damage.
     Many fires are caused by home heating sources, unattended cooking and candles.
     The Red Cross recommends people:
     - Keep all potential fuel sources at least three feet from heat sources such as candles, heat vents, fireplaces, portable heaters and radiators.
     - Turn off lights and extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
     - After entertaining guests, walk around the house to make sure candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished.
     - Keep anything that can catch on fire — pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging and towels or curtains — away from the stove top.
     - Make sure that smoke alarms are installed outside of each sleeping area and on each level of the home.
     - Test each smoke alarm once a month and replace batteries once a year.
     - Create or review a family fire escape plan. Identify two escape routes from every room in the home and choose a convenient meeting place a safe distance from your home.
     Practice the escape plan at least twice a year with all family members.
     More information is at www.redcross.org/homefires.