Saving Lives by #GivingWhatFireTakes

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor

A Red Cross volunteer installs a smoke detector in Arlington, TX
as part of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign.

To those of you who have never been affected by a home fire, it is incredibly difficult to describe how devastating it is to assess the damage left behind. Sometimes all that is left behind is the clothes on your back and a smoldering charred pile of wood and shingles. I will never forget the first time I saw a home damaged by fire. In a matter of seconds, the entire living room was a complete loss. Black, and dark and damp. Puddles from the firefighters’ hoses stood like it had just rained. And it might as well could have—there was no roof left.

For many, there is little hope of ever replacing everything that was lost. I have witnessed that on top of the shock, adrenaline, stress and the frightening realization of “what’s next?”  there is a profound hope seen in the faces of families who just experienced a home fire—relief that everyone and the pet made it out safely.

Every eight minutes, the American Red Cross responds to a home fire. Michaela Curtis Tweeted, “When a fire takes a home, it’s a disaster” and that is why when a home burns, the Red Cross is there.

Unless you have been a victim of a house fire yourself, you may not be aware this service exists. All over the United States, at any given time, hundreds of Red Cross volunteers are on call to bring relief to families affected by fire. Because of generous donations from people just like you, the Red Cross provides lodging, comfort care kits and replacement clothing to those who have lost everything in a fire.

Volunteers headed to Arlington to educate North Texans about
fire safety as part of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign.

On February 4, 2015, the Red Cross launched a new nationwide campaign to help prevent home fires. All over the country, volunteers and Red Cross team members are going door to door installing free smoke detectors to families that need them. On March 28, 2015, the Dallas Fort Worth area chapter stepped out along with members of the Arlington fire department and volunteers from FEMA Corp to canvass a neighborhood in Arlington particularly at risk for fatal home fires. The target? 1,000 homes in six hours.

This same campaign has already saved 11 lives. I am proud to say that I witnessed at least eight smoke detector installations that day—potentially saving at least an additional 15 more people.

With so many willing volunteers and community involvement, The Red Cross is well on its way to meeting its goal of reducing the number of deaths and injuries due to home fires by 25 percent in the next five years with this home fire safety campaign. Besides providing free smoke detectors, teams all across the country are also providing pamphlets and discussing fire safety and prevention while visiting with families.

Stressing the importance of a fire escape plan, everyone we met was receptive to the important fire safety information we were handing out. Arlington Battalion Chief, Mike Shoemaker, who joined my team, said, “Take this seriously.”

Though home fires is a somber topic, I am happy to say that judging by all the smiles on my team members’ faces, as well as the smiles on the faces of the folks we were helping, we were all glad we were in it together, making a difference—#GivingWhatFireTakes

To prepare your own family, develop a fire escape plan, make sure you have working smoke alarms and practice a family fire drill at least once a year.

For more on fire safety, click here.

How are you and your family prepared for a fire? Share your story with us in the comment section below.

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Turn Up the Heat this Valentine’s Day- Without Getting Burned

Written by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

If you watched the T.V. show “Friends,” then you may remember “The One with the Candy Hearts,” in which Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe start a boyfriend bonfire in their apartment on Valentine’s Day. The result of their bitter cleansing ritual is a call to the New York Fire Department, where they are lectured on fire safety by three handsome, albeit not amused, firemen.



Some Valentine’s Day disasters, like a bad date, are unavoidable; however, some can be avoided with the proper preventative measures. Take time to stop and smell the roses this holiday, but follow these quick safety tips to ensure that your night doesn’t end up in flames.

Mood Lighting

Candles can create a romantic ambiance in any room but if you plan to use them, make sure they stay within eyesight. Never leave candles unattended, and place them on heat-resistant surfaces away from walls and any flammable materials. Make sure they are properly and fully extinguished when you are done using them!

Hair Tools

Getting all dolled-up for a hot date? Before you leave, turn off and unplug your curling iron or any electrical hair appliances you use. 

Burning Love

If you plan on curling up by the fire, use a fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, keep the area around the fireplace clear from any decorations and flammable materials.  Take a lesson from the girls on “Friends” and never burn garbage, newspapers, charcoal, or plastic in a fireplace (or trashcan).  For outdoor fires, keep your pit at least 10 feet away from any structures. Always keep an extinguisher nearby any flame in case things get out of control.

Who’s Watching the Kids?

If you’ve hired a babysitter for the night, be sure they are CPR certified and comfortable responding in emergency situations.  The American Red Cross offers courses in babysitter’s training designed for 11-15-year-olds and First Aid/CRP/AED classes for everyone. 

Whatever your plans are this Valentine’s Day, remember these important safety tips.  Nothing ruins a romantic evening quite like having to call 9-1-1. For more information on health and safety tips, or to enroll in a First Aid course, visit www.redcross.org/dfw

**This story originally posted on 2/14/13**

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Fire Prevention Week: Show Us You're #FireSafe!

Across North Texas, the American Red Cross helps an average of five families every day after home fires. Unlike many disasters, most home fires can be prevented. In honor of Fire Prevention Week, we want to see your steps to prevent a home fire in action. Snap, caption and post your fire prevention plan for your household!

Show off your smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or other fire safety equipment and post a picture to your favorite social network (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) with the hashtag #ImFireSafe. The photo depicting the best fire prevention and preparedness will win a 3-day adult emergency kit, like this one:

*This contest will run from October 9, 2014 through October 12, 2014. Winner will be selected and announced on October 13, 2014.*

Don't forget to review home fire safety tips this week to reduce your risk!

The winning photo will win a 3-Day Adult Emergency Kit, which includes: 2,400 calorie food bars x6, 4.2 oz. water pouches x24, 12 hour light sticks x4, ponches x4, LED flashlight w/batteries x2, AM/FM radio w/speaker, headphones & batteries, 8 ounce hand sanitizer, hygiene comfort kit x4, leather palm work gloves, wrapped respirator masks x4, 2.5 gallon water storage bag, first aid kit, emergency blanket x4, whistle x4, 9'x12' plastic sheeting, duct tape, 2 rolls of toilet paper and sanitary napkins x6. All packed in our ARC 24" deluxe duffel bag.​

Good luck!

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Daylight Savings Time: a History Lesson

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor

While living in Paris, France as an American delegate, the great Benjamin Franklin fell on ailments that kept him home. He took to staying up well past midnight playing chess. After one particularly late night, Ben was awakened by a loud noise in his room. Much to his surprise, when he woke, his room was filled with light. 

Thinking it was a new type of oil lamp he had reviewed earlier in the evening, it soon dawned on him that it was the sun. Known for being frugal, Ben decided that Parisians were wasting excessive energy—back then it was candle light, in the form of tallow and wax—and that something needed to be done about people living the majority of their days by artificial light. In a letter to the French paper Journal de Pairs, he suggested that the city:

• Tax window shutters
• Ration candles
• Stop coaches from passing in the street
• Ring church bells in order to wake everyone up at sunrise 

And thus, the idea of Daylight Savings Time was born! (Technically, it is Daylight Saving Time, without the s, but that just doesn’t roll of the tongue as nicely, does it?) 

Now, thankfully, we just turn our clocks back or forward.  

Daylight Savings Time is actually a federal law. Signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 was made law in order to establish a “uniform time within the standard time zones” in the United Sates. However, each state was allowed to opt out by a vote. Currently, only Arizona and Hawaii have no Daylight Savings Time.

On November 3, Daylight Savings Time ends. At 2 a.m., our clocks set back one hour. So at 2 a.m., turn your clock back to 1 a.m. Or typically for us non-night owls, simply turn your clocks back one hour right before you go to bed. 

Will you fall back in bed to enjoy an extra hour of sleep or will you spring forward and accomplish one of those “I’ll do it tomorrow” tasks you put off yesterday.

Do not let your smoke alarm fail. Check your batteries! 

Traditionally, Daylight Savings Time is when our local fire departments encourage us to check our smoke alarms. Though this is probably a testament to how well, or not well, I cook that I know exactly how annoying that piercing re-re-re alarm is. However tempting it may be, do not disconnect or remove the batteries from your smoke alarm. 38% of deaths in home fires are due to smoke alarm failure. The main reason why smoke alarms fail? Dead, missing or disconnected batteries. Testing your smoke alarm takes only minutes and might just save you and your family’s life. 

What to do with the extra 55 minutes? Check your carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher! In homes with natural gas appliances, wood-burning fireplaces or space heaters, you are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, it is extremely difficult to tell when levels have become dangerous. Carbon monoxide detectors work much like smoke alarms, by sending out a loud piercing alarm when CO levels reach an unsafe level. 

I always heard Daylight Savings Time started to give farmers more working daylight hours. Who knew it was all about saving energy? 

Do you think you know it all? Take The American Red Cross fire safety quiz, a gateway to learn more about fire safety. 

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It’s the Great Pumpkin Season

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor

Fall is quite possibly the best time of the year. It makes me giddy to watch leaves change colors, pull out comfy sweaters, and enjoy the cooling weather. But most importantly, it is the season of all things pumpkin. Pumpkin carving, pumpkin pies and lattes…it is all fantastic. However, if the proper safety precautions are not taken, pumpkin festivities can turn into pumpkin mishaps.

Pumpkin Carving Safety: Carving pumpkins is a great activity to do with the family in preparation for Halloween. However, knives and other sharp objects can prove to be dangerous if not handled properly. Never leave children unattended with any type of knife. Teach your children an appropriate, safe method for carving their pumpkin. Ensure the outside of the pumpkin is dry to prevent hands from slipping during the carving process. In the event someone does cut their hand, have your Red Cross first aid kit handy to sanitize and properly care for the wound. Or, download our first aid app...just in case.

Pumpkin Pies and Confections: If you dare to branch out from your favorite store-bought pie and attempt to make your own, always practice safe cooking. Cooking is a top cause of home fires in the United States. Check food regularly while cooking. Keep kitchen clean and organized at all times, and store a fire extinguisher nearby. For additional kitchen safety, visit redcross.org and enjoy a disaster-free pie!

Hot Drinks Galore: I lose count of how many pumpkin spice lattes I enjoy during autumn. Be careful consuming your drink of choice. Burning your tongue or the roof of your mouth can ruin the tasty experience. Also be sure to not spill your drink to avoid burning skin.

Be Aware of Allergies: Food allergies to pumpkin and pumpkin products are rare, but possible. Reactions can occur various ways. If hands and arms become itchy after playing with the wonderful guts of the pumpkin at carving time, simply wash your hands with soap and water to remove pumpkin residue. If there appears to be an allergic reaction after consuming pumpkin, closely monitor the reaction and see a medical professional if necessary. 

Gather Around the Fireplace: In front of the fireplace is a great spot to carve pumpkins, watch a holiday film, and enjoy moments with family and friends. If it has been an extended period of time since you have utilized the fireplace, ensure the chimney is clean and clear of anything that could cause a house fire. Also use a sturdy fire screen around the fireplace when in use, especially if there are children.

Pumpkin Patch: So, your child convinced you to buy the largest pumpkin they found at the pumpkin patch, or you personally thought it would be great. Be careful picking that bad boy up! Lift with your knees and ask for help if you feel it is too heavy to get to your car. Or, simply purchase two smaller pumpkins instead.

Fall is a fabulous time of year. With pumpkin madness thrown into the mix, the season just cannot be beat. So get carving, cooking and drinking, and make your home smell like an autumn festival!

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A Life of Purpose: Why Retired Army Colonel Jim Myers Serves with the Red Cross

written by Amy Yen, volunteer contributor 



As our volunteer, Jim Myers, explains, no one expects a home fire to happen to them.

Watch the video above to learn more about how to stay safe should it happen to you!

Video courtesy of Red Cross Chicago.

Jim Myers, age 64, is a retired Army colonel, father, grandfather and volunteer. Instead of relaxing or traveling in his retirement, he gives his time to the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) in Collin County. He responds to local disasters, answering calls at all times of the day or night to provide immediate relief and support to individuals and families in their greatest time of need.


It’s nothing new. Jim Myers spent 10 years in active military service and another 27 in the Army reserve, spending his final assignment supporting FEMA. During that time, he responded to 22 disasters. That’s when he first came in contact with the Red Cross.

“Working with FEMA, I was well aware of the Red Cross,” said Jim. “The Red Cross is essential to response and recovery during disasters.”

When he finally retired, Jim went to volunteer for the local Red Cross and was immediately recruited onto the DAT team. In his first month, he was called to three grass fires. His first house fire came at 4:00 in the morning. He arrived on the scene to find that the dog had gotten the family out before the smoke detectors had even gone off. With his basic DAT workshop training, he went straight to work; comforting the family and helping them start on their road to recovery.

“The family was shell-shocked. They didn’t know what to expect after the fire. The dog was there with his chest out, thinking, ‘I just saved my family!” he recalls. “I just reminded them that as terrible as it looks, everything there can be replaced. Your family is alright and we’ll put you in a motel tonight. Before you know it, you’ll be watching TV with your feet up, eating pizza. You’re all going to be safe.”

Jim says that what’s important is helping a family go from “shell-shock” to optimism that they will recover. “We help them realize it’s not the end of the world even though it might feel like it at the time.”

Jim did a damage assessment on the scene and gave the family plastic bags to put some clothes in. They went in to rescue valuables, like family albums that couldn’t be replaced and gave the kids each a teddy bear.

“There’s a payback to volunteering. The personal connection—when you give the kids a teddy bear and see a smile on their face even after a disaster—that’s the payback,” said Jim. “I’ve got four children of my own and six grandchildren, so I know about kids. You’ve got to give them hope, and we do that.”

Jim encourages volunteers to take all the Red Cross classes they can; from the DAT workshop, which he says is a necessity for anyone working on-site at a disaster, to psychological first-aid, which helps volunteers understand what the victims are going through.

To learn more about the Disaster Action Team and other opportunities to volunteer locally during National Volunteer Week, check out redcrossdallas.org.

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Red Cross Funds Stretched Thin After 100+ People Burned out of Their Homes in Past 72 Hours

Community Can Help by Texting, Clicking or Sponsoring

DFW, TEXAS, February 28, 2012 — It’s rare to get a rash of fires that displaces nearly 100 people in a three-day period, but here in the Metroplex, that’s exactly what’s happened over the past 72 hours.
Four major apartment fires, along with 12 single-family homes fires, one causing a critical injury, had the organization responding around the clock; and depleting resources at a rapid pace.

Now, the Red Cross is asking the community to help replenish their funds as they gear up for spring storm season. 

“We’re concerned about this barrage of home fires, coupled with the start of spring storm season,” said T.D. Smyers, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “We’ve had so many fires and any day now, spring storms will be here and we have to be ready to respond to those too.” 

Smyers said the organization has distributed about three weeks worth of aid in a three day period, but with support from the community, those funds can be replaced quickly. 

Ways people can give include texting the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10; jumping on www.redcross.org to give a gift in any amount; or by sponsoring a “Piper the Puppy” at the $100 level. This Dallas-created stuffed animal brings comfort when he’s handed to a child at the curb of a house fire, while the financial donation ensures that the Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Home fires are the most common disaster responded to by the local Red Cross chapters. An average of five families in the Metroplex experience a house fire every day. The American Red Cross responds every time they’re called and assists with safe shelter, new shoes and clothing, groceries, seasonal items, bedding and more. Without the support of the American people, the American Red Cross would be unable to respond. 

About the American Red Cross:

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 or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Home Fires

Are home fires a big problem in the United States?
Sadly, yes. Last year, the Red Cross responded to more than 74,000 disasters, 93 percent of them were fire-related. This is a devastating fact since many home fires can be prevented.

Are home fires increasing?
Unfortunately, yes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that residential fires across the country have increased 8 percent since 2000, and the average cost of damages from a home fire during 2006 was more than $17,000. The Red Cross response to home fires has increased as well, rising 10 percent since 2000.

When do home fires happen?
Home fires can happen at any time, but they generally increase during the fall and winter, with December and January being the peak months. Home fires are also more common on Saturday and Sunday, and tend to peak between 6:00 and 7:00 PM.

Where are home fires most likely to start?
Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. The second leading cause of home fires are heating sources like wood stoves, and fireplaces. Fires caused by smoking are the leading cause of deaths.

Who are affected by home fires?
Home fires don’t discriminate and can affect any home at any time. However, children under five and adults over 65 face the highest risk of dying in a home fire.

How can I prepare for a potential home fire?
Smoke alarms are a critical step in being prepared for a home fire. Smoke alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home. If you and your family sleep with the doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.

My home has a smoke alarm, is that all I need to do?
No, to function properly, smoke alarms must be maintained. In 2005, the NFPA reported that 74 percent of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Once a month you should use the test button to check each smoke alarm. And at least once a year, all smoke alarm batteries should be replaced. In addition, smoke alarms can become less sensitive over time and should be replaced at least every 10 years.

If I have a fire extinguisher in my home, do I need training to use it?
Yes. Fire extinguishers are a great tool, but like any tool you need to learn how to use them properly and safely. Using a fire extinguisher on even small fires takes practice and quick thinking so there is not a delay in calling 9-1-1. The Red Cross suggests learning how to properly use fire extinguishers by contacting your local fire department to get training.

Why do I need a fire escape plan?
Fires can ignite very quickly and without warning, leaving you and your loved ones with little or no time to escape. By creating and practicing an escape plan, family members can save valuable time in the event of a fire by knowing exactly how to act.

How can I create a fire escape plan?
Begin by determining at least two ways to escape from every room of your home. For floors above ground level, escape ladders should be stored near the window. Also, make sure to select a central location at a safe distance from your home where family members can meet after escaping. After creating and discussing your plan with all members of your household, the Red Cross recommends that you practice your plan at least twice a year.

If a fire happens, can I go back into my home if I’ve forgotten something?
Once you are out of a burning home, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home or cell phone.

What if my escape route is covered in smoke?
If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke. If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out. If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Place a rolled towel underneath the door. Open the window- but do not break it. Signal for help waving a brightly colored cloth or shining a flashlight at the window. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department and tell them your exact location.

How can I help victims of home fires?
The number of families that the American Red Cross supports in the aftermath of home fires has increased 10 percent since 2000. Your local Red Cross chapter depends on the generous support of community members like you to help our neighbors affected by home fires. You can help victims of home fires by ensuring your local Red Cross is ready to respond. Contact your local Red Cross chapter to make a financial contribution today.

How can I learn more about fire preparedness?
Visit www.redcross.org/homefires or contact your local Red Cross chapter.

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Every 80 Seconds

Dallas firefighters on the scene of a 4-Alarm apartment fire in Cockrell Hill on May 29, 2010. More than 130 people were left homeless. (Photo by Allison Slomowitz/American Red Cross)

By Kristiana Kocis

Did you know that every 60 seconds*...

• More than 168 million emails are sent
• 695,000 status updates and 510,040 comments are published on Facebook
• Google serves more that 694,445 search queries
• More than 13,000 iPhone apps are downloaded
• 6,600 images are published on Flickr
• 600 videos (about 25 hours of content) are uploaded to YouTube

Seems impressive, but here’s another statistic: approximately every 80 seconds someone will lose their home to a fire. That’s more than 63,000 fires a year that Red Cross volunteers across the country will respond to.

October is National Fire Prevention Month, and our friends at the Chicago Red Cross has created a way for you to get a glimpse of what losing some of your cherished photo memories would feel like with their “Every 80 Seconds” campaign. With home fires, “things” can usually be replaced, but precious photos usually cannot. After you go through this, take a moment to make sure your home and family are Red Cross Ready.

*statistics from GeekTyrant.com

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Walmart Recalls 2.2 Million Electric Heaters

On Thursday, Walmart announced a voluntary recall of about 2.2 million electric heaters due to fire and burn hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the heaters can malfunction resulting in overheating, smoking, burning, melting and fire.

The recall involves Flow Pro, Airtech, Aloha Breeze and Comfort Essentials 1500 watt heaters sold exclusively at Walmart stores and Walmart.com between December 2001 and October 2009. The model number is 1013 and can be found on the lower left corner of the back panel of the heater. Consumers are asked to stop using the heaters immediately and return them to any Walmart store for a full refund.

Take a few minutes to check the electric heaters in your home. Heating equipment fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths in American homes and the biggest fire culprit December through January. As you keep your home warm this holiday season, here are some specific fire prevention tips to keep in mind:

• Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people.
• Do not leave space heaters on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep.
• Do not use gasoline or other substitute fuel in a kerosene heater because the wrong fuel could burn hotter than the design limits of the equipment and cause a serious fire.
• Store kerosene away from heat or open flame in a container approved by the local fire department.
• Have your chimney inspected by a professional before the start of the heating season and cleaned if necessary.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen when burning fires.
• Burn only wood. Never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out the chimney and ignite your roof or a neighboring

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