During the 2025 Community Risk Reduction Week being observed this January, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to follow important steps to prevent home fires. Over the past decade, The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has saved more than 2,000 lives, installed nearly three million smoke alarms, made over 1.2 million households safer and served over 3.1 million people through in-home visits.

“Since launching the Home Fire Campaign in 2014, we’ve helped save more than 2,000 lives across the country, and 32 lives regionally, by installing free smoke alarms and helping families create escape plans,” said Ana Romero, Regional Preparedness Manager. “This Community Risk Reduction Week, help protect your family by testing your smoke alarms and practicing your two-minute escape plan with everyone in your household.”

As the Red Cross has adapted its mission over the years to meet the needs of communities and to help prevent deaths and injuries from home fires, the work remains critically important as home fires remain the most frequent disaster nationwide. This critical work is made possible through volunteers and partners, who have helped Red Cross to install more than 2.6 million free smoke alarms and make more than 1 million households safer nationwide.

Through targeted outreach, Red Cross officials continue working with community partners to connect with families and educate kids about home fire safety. Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S., but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org/NCCR for more information.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow them on social media.