CHICAGO, Ill. (Chambana Today) — As families gather to celebrate the holidays, the American Red Cross is urging everyone to take extra precautions to prevent home fires. Cooking accidents, unattended candles, and unsafe heating equipment are some of the leading causes of fires during the holiday season, and the Red Cross reports that home fires spike by 20% in these months.

“One in five people the Red Cross helps after a home fire happens during the holidays,” said Jeannie Gardner, Regional Disaster Officer for the Illinois Red Cross. “Home fires can happen quickly, leaving families just two minutes to escape. That’s why it’s essential to practice your fire escape plan and ensure that everyone can get out in under two minutes.”

Cooking Safety Tips

The Red Cross emphasizes kitchen safety, offering these key tips for cooking during the holidays:

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you need to leave, turn off the stove.

• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.

• Avoid loose clothing and long sleeves while cooking to prevent them from catching on fire.

• Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.

• Keep flammable items—like potholders, paper towels, and food packaging—away from heat sources.

• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup.

• Consider a fire extinguisher for the kitchen to quickly address small fires.

• Always check that all stoves and ovens are off before leaving the house or going to bed.

Holiday Decorating and Heating Safety

December is also the peak month for candle fires, which cause an average of 20 fires a day in the U.S. And heating equipment remains one of the leading causes of home fires.

• Maintain a three-foot buffer around all heating equipment, including space heaters and fireplaces, to avoid fire hazards from furniture or flammable materials.

• Never leave space heaters unattended, as they are involved in many fatal fires.

• If using a space heater, place it on a flat, nonflammable surface like ceramic tile. Never place it on rugs, near bedding, or curtains.

• Never leave burning candles unattended, and keep them away from anything that could catch fire.

• Test smoke alarms monthly and practice your fire escape plan to ensure everyone can exit safely in under two minutes.

For more tips on preventing home fires and creating a fire escape plan, visit redcross.org/fire.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Installing smoke alarms is one of the easiest ways to protect your home. The Red Cross recommends installing alarms in key areas:

• Near the kitchen, on every level of your home, and inside each bedroom.

• Test alarms each month, and change batteries annually.

If you cannot afford smoke alarms or need help installing them, the Red Cross may be able to assist. For more information, contact your local Red Cross.

Red Cross Fire Response in Illinois

Recently, Red Cross volunteers responded to three home fires in Peoria and Milford, providing immediate support for 17 individuals. This included emergency supplies, health and mental health services, and one-on-one assistance for those affected.