Fire Safety in the Basin

After a trailer fire destroyed a families beloved home this past week.

And after another blaze left four Midlanders without an apartment yesterday evening the American Red Cross is reminding residents to be more careful.

In the 26 counties the Red Cross serves they have responded to 290 fires in this year alone.

That's why the red cross is urging people to practice fire safety which will help avoid disasters in the future.

Leaving the stove on could cause more damage than a person realizes.

"During the winter season we respond to more fires because people don't inspect their equipment," said James Parks from the American Red Cross.

And with two disaster fires in the last couple days here in the Basin, Parks wants residents to be safe.

"Whether its a stove or a heater. if you have a dryer, clean out your lint," said Parks.

He also says people should check their outlets and make sure they are not tangled up.

And before you leave your house you should..

 "Turn off your utilities. Be safe because when you think its ok to leave that burning candle, its really not," said Parks.

And its important to make sure your fire alarm is beeping and doesn't need new batteries.

"Check your fire alarms, we just changed our time so change your fire alarm," said Parks.

Because fires can strike anywhere and to anyone.

"Doesn't matter who you are or what you do, a fire shows no favorites," said Parks.

And the damage parks and his Red Cross team have witnessed is something he wants Basin residents to avoid.

 "I have seen lives lost, families destroyed, 50 years of historical love and cherishable items dissappear because of a lack of responsibility," said Parks.

Parks wants people to take the Red Cross pledge.

They can fill out this sheet of paper that contains a checklist of safety suggestions.

It encourages people to make a disaster plan and have supplies available should the unthinkable occur.

For more information on fire safety tips you could visit http://www.arcswtx.org/.