ARC/GNY CEO Theresa A. Bischoff and FDNY Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano announced that free 9-volt batteries for household smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, along with important fire prevention and safety information, will be available to city residents at Red Cross locations. (Photo credit: FDNY)

Did you know? Every year in the U.S., fire kills more people than all natural disasters combined. On average, fire kills more than 3,900 people (850 of them children) and injures more than 20,000. Also alarming—more than 75% of residences don't have a fire escape plan.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) is supporting a community fire awareness campaign initiated by the NYC Fire Department to help people learn about the dangers of residential fires, and ensure that more residents install working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and apartments.

During Fire Prevention Week—October 7 to 13—New York City residents are invited to stop by any of ARC/GNY"s five New York City locations for a free 9-volt battery provided by the FDNY that they should use to replace old batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Free literature in English and Spanish with tips and information about fire prevention and how to safely exit a home during a fire is also available.

Visit the following Red Cross locations during regular weekday business hours for a free battery and fire prevention information:

• Brooklyn: 100 Pineapple Walk
• The Bronx: 2082 White Plains Road
• Manhattan: The Red Cross Store at 520 West 49th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues
• Queens: 138-02 Queens Boulevard in Briarwood (through October 12)
• Staten Island: 1424 Richmond Avenue

For directions and public transportation information for these locations, click on the borough name, above.

The Red Cross urges every household to "Be Red Cross Ready” for fires and any kind of emergency, and to follow 3 easy steps:

Get a Kit: Have emergency supplies to shelter at home and a “Go Bag” filled with essential items and important family documents to take with you should you need to evacuate. Maintain at least a three-day supply of food and water for every member of the household, including pets. Check supplies every six months and replace items that have expired.

Make a Plan: Having a communications and evacuation plan is the best possible response to a disaster. During an emergency, a plan will help reduce stress, because everyone will know how to respond. Practice your plan several times each year.

Be Informed: Become knowledgeable about potential emergencies and know where to obtain vital information. Knowing what may happen and how you can help is an effective defense against a disaster.

The following fire prevention and safety tips are provided by FDNY and ARC/GNY:

• Take care of your smoke alarm: Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home. Check each smoke alarm once a month and replace dead batteries as soon as possible. Dust your smoke alarms once a month.
  
  
• Have a fire extinguisher: Know how to use the fire extinguisher you keep in your home. Recharge the extinguisher according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  
  
• Have an escape route: Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home, and consider escape ladders for bedrooms on the second floor. Pick a location a safe distance from your home to meet after a fire. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
  
  
• Stay in the room with the door closed if smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at a window. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.
  
  
• Escape safely: Once you have exited, stay out of your home. Call the fire department from your neighbor’s home. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low beneath the smoke. Use your second way out if fire or smoke is blocking your original escape route. Feel the doorknob of a closed door before opening it. If it is hot, don’t open that door. Remember to stop, drop and roll if your clothing catches on fire.