•October 8, 2025•

During Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11), the American Red Cross of Illinois reminds everyone of the dangers of home fires, which claim seven lives every day in the U.S. To help protect your household, test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.  

“Home fires can occur any time, any place,” said Kellie O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer for the Red Cross of Illinois. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. This is critical because fire experts say you may have less than two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late.” 

Tips for creating your home fire escape plan and practicing your 2-minute drill:  

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