The Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross says October was its busiest month for local disaster responses since 2020.
Red Cross volunteers responded to 68 disasters across the region during the month. Sixty-seven were home fires, and the organization provided immediate emergency help to 275 people affected by those events. That assistance included shelter, clothing, food, disaster mental-health support and spiritual care.
The chapter says volunteers have responded to 18 additional home fires since Nov. 1. With Thanksgiving approaching, the Red Cross is urging families to stay attentive in the kitchen and test smoke alarms before holiday gatherings.
Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for cooking fires, according to the Red Cross. The organization recommends remaining in the kitchen while using a stovetop or oven and turning appliances off before leaving the room.
Families should keep children and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas. Potholders, towels, food packaging and other flammable items should remain away from stovetops, ovens and heat-producing appliances.
Anyone planning to fry a turkey should fully thaw it first, place the fryer on a flat surface and keep the fryer away from a house or other structure. The Red Cross also recommends keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and making sure everyone in the home knows how to get out safely.
