(StatePoint) Learning the basics of fire safety is the first step in fighting the dangers of fire\u2014and it just so happens to be the most important.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why Kidde, a trusted leader in fire safety for more than 100 years, is on a mission to help protect every moment, for everyone. For the third year in a row, Kidde\u2019s Cause For Alarm<\/a> campaign is deploying educational materials and life-saving information to communities nationwide, including vulnerable communities at a higher risk of fire-related incidents.<\/p>\n Every year, fire claims thousands of American lives<\/a> in homes without working smoke alarms, according to the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Yet, far too many people think that a fire is something that would never affect their family. In fact, the American Red Cross<\/a> reports that 40% of people believe they are more likely to win the lottery or get struck by lightning than experience a home fire.<\/p>\n This mindset may be why so many households aren\u2019t taking even the most basic precautions against fires. Data from the American Red Cross shows that only 26% of American families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan, leaving nearly 74% of families unprepared<\/a> for a fire emergency.<\/p>\n According to Kidde, here\u2019s how you can better protect your home and the people you love:<\/p>\n 1. Ensure you have working smoke alarms in your home and discuss with your children what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.<\/p>\n 2. Purchase a Kidde alarm at participating retailers in the United States until the end of November 2024 to not only help protect your household, but to prompt a $1 contribution for alarm donations up to $1,000,000 in total retail value to communities in need.<\/p>\n 3. Learn more about fire safety and how you can protect your family by visiting CauseForAlarm.org<\/a>. The site features activities, worksheets, a children\u2019s book, a kid-friendly podcast and shareable resources, including a memorable jingle for children titled \u201cBeeps That Last, Get Out Fast.\u201d The catchy jingle was created to help kids easily recall what to do in the event of a house fire.<\/p>\n