To the editor:
As our community heads into the holidays, the American Red Cross Panhandle Plains Chapter is urging families to take simple steps to prevent home fires — the most common disaster we respond to each year. December brings more cooking, heating and candles, which means a higher risk. A few quick reminders can help keep your home safe:
Cooking safety:
-Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling. - Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove. Use a timer to prevent food from being forgotten.
- Keep kids and pets at least three feet from cooking areas.
Heating & holiday safety:
-Give space heaters at least three feet of clearance.
-Place heaters on a hard, nonflammable surface and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
-Keep candles away from anything that can burn and never leave them unattended.
-Test smoke alarms monthly and practice your two-minute escape plan.
If you need a working smoke alarm, the Red Cross and our partners may be able to assist. Visit redcross.org/ fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download our free Emergency app (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).
As we close out the year, we’re grateful for the volunteers, partners and donors who make our home fire responses and prevention work possible. Together, we can help more families stay safe this season — and all year long. Alexis Gonzalez