Last night the Lubbock Fire Department requested American Red Cross assistance to help families impacted by last night's apartment fire. The fire caused substantial damage to the building rendering 13 adults, 2 children and 1 baby temporarily homeless. Red Cross volunteers placed the families in local hotels temporarily as those affected scramble to find new homes.

The Red Cross asks for financial assistance to help families, like those affected last night, during times of need. “It is because of the generosity of the American people that we are able to fulfill our mission” stated CEO, Robin Raney. Last year the local Red Cross chapter responded to about 81 fire calls, helping families immediately begin rebuilding their lives. Please follow these safety tips to help keep your family prepared in case of emergency.

Practice Wildfire Safety

• People start most wildfires . . . find out how you can promote and practice wildfire safety.
• Contact your local fire department, health department, or forestry office for information on fire laws. Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
• Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.
• Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
• Post fire emergency telephone numbers.
• Plan several escape routes away from your home by car and by foot.
• Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors' skills, such as medical or technical. Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can't get home.

Protect Your Home

• Regularly clean roof and gutters.
• Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of National Fire Protection Association Code 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact specifications.)
• Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof, and attic.
• Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.
• Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
• Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
• Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.