MINEOLA, N.Y., Oct. 5, 2009 - Fires are often called "silent disasters" because they generate little media attention and often affect only a few people when they occur. Yet for someone who has lost everything, a fire can be as devastating as anything else. The American Red Cross knows this all too well because it responds to over a hundred blazes each year in Nassau County alone--some of which have been deadly.

Sadly, an overwhelming number of these fires could have been prevented. With October being National Fire Prevention Month, the Nassau Red Cross is urging Long Islanders to examine their level of preparedness and to practice fire safety throughout the year.

“It’s a little known fact that home fires are Long Island’s biggest disaster threat. In fact, nearly all of the disasters the Nassau Red Cross responded to last year were home fires,” said Frank Cassano, CEO of the Nassau Red Cross. “The first action to take is the installation of a smoke alarm on every level of the home. Smoke alarms provide us with a few minutes of advance warning in the event of a home fire, and that extra time can save lives.”

The American Red Cross recommends the following:

• Check smoke alarms monthly by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Change the batteries in your alarm at least once a year, or as soon as you hear a low-battery warning which usually sounds like a “chirping” noise.
• Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it.
• Never remove the battery from or disable a smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm is sounding “nuisance alarms,” try locating it further from kitchens or bathrooms.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms that are properly installed have contributed to an almost 50-percent decrease in fire deaths since the late 1970s. According to Vincent McManus, of the Nassau County Fire Marshall's office, there have been no fire-related fatalities in Nassau homes, with working smoke alarms, in nearly 25 years.

Knowing that the incidents of fires increase during the fall and winter, the Nassau Red Cross also urges Long Islanders to exercise caution with home-heating sources.

The Red Cross offers the following prevention tips to stop heating fires before they start:

• Keep all potential fuel sources (newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least three feet away from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces, and stoves.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned if necessary.
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, or carpets or near bedding or drapes.

In addition, the Red Cross recommends that families create and practice a home fire escape plan. Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes for every room in the home. Families should choose a convenient meeting place outside of the home and practice their escape plan at least twice a year with all family members.

"Though our volunteers are very willing to provide food, shelter and clothing to those who have become homeless due to fire," said Cassano, "we can't replace memories, pets or lives. Now, not all fires can be prevented; however, by taking a few simple steps, Long Islanders can better their odds."

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.nassauredcross.org. The American Red Cross in Nassau County is located at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola and can be contacted by calling (516) 747-3500.

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