Utah Valley University students are on a mission to help make sure the holiday season does not go up in smoke.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with an 399% increase over the daily average — Christmas Eve is the next highest. Being prepared to apply home fire safety tips is the key to a safe and merry holiday.
Since 2014, the American Red Cross estimates that approximately 2,167 lives have been saved as people learned about the fire safety program.
“Through our research this semester, we discovered younger generations are unaware of the importance of fire safety from having an evacuation plan to testing smoke detectors,” said Julie Parry, a UVU public relations major who is working on the communications campaign. “That’s why we’re spreading awareness to fellow students and our community.”
Parry said before she and her team partnered with the American Red Cross, she thought the organization only handled blood donations. “I was surprised to learn about the Home Fire Campaign and the education and resources available to everyone. It is important that we as students pay attention and practice home fire safety so that we can be safe for the upcoming holidays and always.”
Parry would like everyone to remember the following five fire safety tips to stay safe this holiday season.
Five Fire Safe Tips
- Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home.
o If you need help, contact the American Red Cross. In Utah County, call 211 and ask for a free smoke detector.
- Check your smoke detector every month and replace old batteries.
- Have a plan of how you can escape from your apartment or home.
o Typically, people have just two minutes and should know two exits.
- Use caution with holiday decorations including limiting fire burning candles and distancing decorations from open flames or heating sources.
- Have a fire extinguisher ready for emergencies.
o This could be a great holiday gift for family and friends
Go here for more information about the American Red Cross of Utah’s fire safety program.
