Red Cross volunteers responded to 25 home fires across Montana in January, helping 90 people with their most immediate needs like food, shelter, clothing and emotional support.

Those responses included a multi-unit apartment fire in Missoula and home fires in Great Falls, Libby, Kalispell, Vaughn, Cut Bank, Helena, Livingston, Glendive, Lame Deer, Billings and Whitefish.

So far in 2024, Red Cross has responded to 36 fires across the state and helped 102 people. The Red Cross of Montana often sees an increase in home fires during winter months as families turn to heating sources likes space heaters, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.

“Home fires can happen to anyone at any time, and working smoke alarms are so important to keeping your family safe,” said Scott O’Connell, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross of Montana, Idaho and East Oregon. “On average, people have just two minutes to escape their home safely during a fire -- just two minutes. That’s why working smoke alarms and a plan of how to get out quickly can make all the difference during an emergency.”

HOME FIRE SAFETY TIPS

· Test smoke alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home, including the basement and in or near sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years.

· Practice your escape plan: Take time to discuss fire safety with your household. Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm and teach them what to do when they hear it when you practice your escape plan.

· Use space heaters with caution: Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface — at least three feet away from things that could burn. And never leave space heaters unattended.

· Avoid matches: Teach your children to tell you or a responsible adult when they find matches or lighters at home or school. Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of reach of children.

HELP AVAILABLE

Following a home fire, Red Cross of Montana volunteers help meet families’ most immediate needs, including food, clothing and shelter. Red Cross teams also connect families with mental health support, spiritual care and help replace medications and medical equipment. These services are free and available to all. To seek assistance after a disaster like a home fire, please call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Red Cross volunteers respond to hundreds of disasters in communities big and small across Montana each year. To learn more about becoming a Red Cross disaster volunteer and providing help and hope in your community, visit redcross.org/volunteer or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767). Training is provided.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or facebook.com/montana or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).