The recent spell of cold weather has prompted the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter to urge families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources, and to plan ahead for the possibility of a home fire. Home heating fires increase during the late fall and winter months, and portable heating fires are more deadly than others. A recent Red Cross poll found that nearly half of American families use heating alternatives such as a space heater, fireplace or wood/coal stove to stay warm.Fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined, and the Red Cross urges families to develop a fire escape plan and to take steps toward fire prevention and safety. Preparedness is important for all families.

In the last 30 days, the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter has provided assistance to five local families who were involved in four separate house fires. Ten adults and three children were provided immediate assistance with clothing, food, shelter, and other basic necessities of life. "This is an example of how the American Red Cross helps our residents in disasters large and small," said Mary Sawyer, Executive Director, American Red Cross Martin County Chapter. "To continue providing immediate help for fires and other disasters we must have the financial support of all of our residents," Sawyer reminded.

To prevent heating related fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping all potential fuel sources, including newspapers, matches, bedding and clothing, at least three feet away from heat sources such as a space heaters and fireplaces. In addition, portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how, when and where to safely use heating equipment, such as space heaters.

Special precautions should be used when using candles in your home. Never leave lit candles unattended or place them near combustible materials.

"Every year in MartinCounty, home fires are the single most common disaster threat said Rob Shelt, Director, Disaster Services, AmericanRedCrossMartinCounty Chapter.

"The good news is that preparing for a home fire doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment or training," said Shelter. "In addition to functioning smoke alarms, one of the easiest ways to prepare is to develop and practice a home fire escape plan so that every family member, including young children and the elderly, can escape quickly and safely."

Fire escape plans include at least two exit routes for every room in the home, and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the fire. Escape ladders should be used and stored near windows in floors above ground level, and all family members should know how to locate and use the ladders safely. Families should practice their escape plan at least twice a year.

Simple Tips to Prevent Home Heating Fires

Keep all potential fuel sources (newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs) at least three feet away from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves

Provide constant adult supervision in rooms with lit candles or fires

Keep fire in the fireplace by using glass or metal fire screens

Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house

Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home

Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep

Have fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned if necessary

If you must use space heaters, place them on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information please visit

www.redcross.org/homefires.

Your Martin County Chapter of the American Red Cross is funded by local dollars. The Chapter receives no Federal, State or local tax funding. To donate your

dollars or your time, contact the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter at (772) 287-2002 or visit the Chapter headquarters at 2750 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, Florida, 34994. You may also donate online at http://martincountyfl.redcross.org.

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