As Fire Prevention Week continues, the American Red Cross is reminding families to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of home fires.
Since the beginning of the year, Red Cross teams have responded to more than 1,300 home fires across Missouri and portions of Illinois and Kansas.
The organization says cooking and home heating equipment are among the leading causes of residential fires.
The Red Cross recommends families develop an escape plan with two ways out of every room, test smoke alarms monthly and keep at least three feet of clearance around heating equipment.
Smoke alarms should also be replaced every 10 years.
Red Cross Regional Communications Manager Ann Vastmans reminds residents that once they escape a burning home, they should never go back inside to retrieve belongings. She warns that smoke can become deadly much faster than people realize.
Officials emphasize that if a fire breaks out, residents should get out, stay out and call 911.
Additional fire prevention and safety information is available at redcross.org.