The American Red Cross of Southern Colorado is marking Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, 2026, by releasing 20 steps residents can take to prevent home fires and protect household members — this as local disaster teams have responded to 100 home fires since the beginning of 2026.

"Across the country, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year and most of these are home fires. In Southern Colorado, our disaster teams have responded to 100 fires since the beginning of 2026," said Heidi Richmond, executive director of the Red Cross of Southern Colorado. "These fires are devastating for the people involved. But there are steps everyone can take which will help not only help prevent a fire from starting but also help keep everyone safe should an emergency occur."

Image

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States; home heating equipment is the second leading cause.

The Red Cross urges all households to develop and practice a fire escape plan at least twice a year. Residents may have less than two minutes to escape a burning home. Every household member should know two ways out of each room and a designated outdoor meeting spot. If a fire starts, get out and stay out — never return for people, pets, or belongings — then dial 911.

Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly, replace batteries at least once a year if the model requires it, and replace any alarm that is 10 years old or older, as sensors become less sensitive over time.

To reduce cooking fires, never leave food on the stove unattended. Turn off the stove if you must leave the kitchen, even briefly. Keep loose clothing, pot holders, towels, and any flammable items away from heat sources. Enforce a three-foot child-free zone around the stove, and keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

For home heating safety, never use a cooking range or oven to heat a home. Keep at least three feet of clear space around all heating equipment. Never leave space heaters unattended, place them only on hard nonflammable surfaces such as ceramic tile, and plug them directly into wall outlets — never extension cords. Turn space heaters off when leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave a fireplace fire burning unattended; extinguish all embers before sleeping or leaving home, and use a glass or metal screen to contain embers.

"According to the National Fire Protection Association, there was a home fire every 23 seconds in 2024 which claimed a life every two hours and 14 minutes," Richmond said. "During Fire Prevention Week, we here at the Red Cross urge everyone to develop their evacuation plans, check their smoke alarms and help keep the members of their household safe."

More information is available at redcross.org/local/colorado.html.