Nearly 100 Baltimore Homes Burned Last Holiday Season
Local fire officials and the Red Cross are rolling out four new safety videos to combat a seasonal spike in residential fires.
By Aiko Lombardi ·
Nearly 100 Baltimore homes suffered fires during the previous holiday season, according to data from the Red Cross of Central Maryland. That figure underscores the local danger that typically arrives with colder weather and increased household activity.
On Monday, the Baltimore City Fire Department and the Red Cross launched a joint prevention campaign. The initiative features four educational videos that will release weekly throughout the month of November. Lenora Henry, the executive director of the local Red Cross chapter, stated that home fires represent the most frequent emergency her disaster response team handles in the city.
The organization reported assisting hundreds of residents in the wake of those last year’s fires. Nationally, the Red Cross responds to roughly 20 percent more residential fires in November and December than in any other two-month period.
Fire Chief James W. Wallace noted that many winter house fires are preventable. He emphasized that working smoke alarms and practiced escape routes make a critical difference in outcomes. Officials provided a specific list of precautions for residents. These include testing smoke alarms, keeping space heaters at least three feet from combustible materials, and avoiding overloaded extension cords.
The campaign wraps up on November 23 with a live fire safety demonstration at the Baltimore City Fire Department Training Academy. The Red Cross offers free disaster assistance to affected households. Residents can reach the organization by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Source: Baltimore Chronicle
