The American Red Cross urges common sense fire safety practices
American Red Cross disaster-trained volunteers are assisting two adults and two children after their home, located on Robinson Street in Hartsville, sustained major damage from a July 26 fire. The Hartsville Fire Department responded to the blaze. The Red Cross is helping the family by providing financial assistance for food, clothing, temporary lodging, and other essentials.
The Red Cross is asking people to take two simple steps that can help save lives: check their existing smoke alarms and practice fire drills at home. Every household should develop a fire escape plan and practice it several times a year and at different times of the day. Be sure to install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test them every month and replace the batteries when needed.
People can learn how to help prevent a home fire and what to do if one occurs by downloading the Red Cross Emergency App. Children can earn points and incentives in a fun, gaming environment while learning how to prevent a home fire and other emergencies in the Monster Guard: Prepare for Emergencies App. The First Aid App provides expert advice including what to do for burns, broken bones, and breathing and cardiac emergencies. The apps can be downloaded for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.
To bring care, comfort and hope to your community and help neighbors affected by disasters become a Red Cross volunteer or make a financial contribution to Red Cross by calling (803) 329-6575 or visiting www.redcross.org/SC
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or follow @RedCrossSC.
