DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The American Red Cross expects to have a busy week as Independence Day celebrations get underway ahead of the Fourth of July on Friday.
In the last week, the Red Cross has responded to five different house fires in Central Illinois.
"People often think of tornadoes and wildfires and hurricanes, but the number one disaster we're responding to every day is house fires," said Mara Thompson of the Red Cross. "House fires in the winter months are a little more common because people are using different sources for heating. With that being said, we respond to fires every single day in Illinois and that's continuing this summer."
The usual safety tips still apply: do not leave a flame unattended, set up as far from your house and car as you can, and have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case the fire grows.
"Make sure that you always have a fire extinguisher close by," Thompson said. "Working smoke alarms is always the top thing we recommend because it takes about two minutes for a home fire to start and not be able to get out safely."
The Red Cross is always looking for more blood donors and volunteers in the summer months, too.
"We see our regular blood donors not come in as often because of vacations, so we see that dip in donation," Thompson shared. "But every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, so that need is always there and it's really important that if you have time, come out and donate blood, roll up a sleeve, and save lives."
For those interested in donating blood or volunteering, click here.
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