It’s Fire Prevention Week, and The American Red Cross of Southern Missouri is urging everyone to test their smoke alarms before the cold weather increases the threat of a home fire. The American Red Cross of Southern Missouri responds to 34% more home fires in November through March, and according to Director Stacy Burks, there hasn’t been a break-in fire response in warmer months this year so far either.

Stacy says the American Red Cross responds to home fire cases to provide relief, and each case is an “individualized program”.

Fire Prevention Week is October 3rd through October 9th, to learn more about how to get involved, visit redcross.org/HomeFires.