Red Cross NJ Provides Essential Tips to Protect Homes During Fire Season

You’ve probably seen it in the news lately — house fires are spiking here in New Jersey. It’s not just a local thing; every year across the country, the Red Cross responds to significantly more home fires during November and December. Last month alone, the Red Cross in NJ jumped into action for about 90 home fires, helping 280 families and more than 760 people.

I want you to picture this for a moment: a fire can grow four times in size every 60 seconds. That means if a blaze starts in your home, you might have only two minutes to get out safely.

That’s why this article isn’t just another list of tips. I’m going to walk you through practical, actionable steps you can take today to protect yourself, your family, and your home — from installing smoke alarms properly to practicing escape plans that actually stick. By the end, you won’t just “know” what to do. You’ll feel prepared to act if the worst ever happens.

Why Home Fires Spike During Winter Months?

You might wonder why house fires suddenly spike around this time of year. It’s not a coincidence. Across the country, November and December see about 20% more home fires than other months, and New Jersey follows the same trend.

The colder weather means more indoor heating, more time spent cooking, and sometimes, the temptation to use risky shortcuts — like heating your home with an oven.

I’ve seen families underestimate how fast a fire can spread. With every 60 seconds, a small flame can quadruple in size. That’s why understanding seasonal risks isn’t just trivia — it’s about knowing the moments when your home is most vulnerable.

Life-Saving Smoke Alarms and Exit Plans

If you haven’t checked your smoke alarms recently, now’s the time. According to News 12 NJ, Red Cross NJ recommends alarms on every floor of the home, ideally units that last 10 years. Testing them monthly isn’t optional — it’s essential.

But alarms alone aren’t enough. Practicing exit plans is where the real difference happens. Kim Goetz from Red Cross NJ puts it perfectly:

“If the time ever comes that you have to use those skills, you’ve put in that practice. Kids can think back to it and just take action without getting nervous about it.”

Take a few minutes with your family. Map out two ways to exit each room. Pick a meeting spot outside. Do a quick drill — night or day. When fire actually strikes, muscle memory will guide everyone safely out.

You can also get quick daily fire safety tips and reminders on WhatsApp to make sure your family is always prepared.

Cooking Safety: The Leading Cause of Fires

Most home fires start in the kitchen. I can’t stress this enough: never leave cooking unattended. Even a short distraction can escalate into a disaster in seconds. Keep flammable items away from the stove, and always stay nearby while frying or boiling.

Pair this with regular maintenance of your appliances, and you’re already drastically lowering your risk.

“Even routine cooking can lead to emergencies similar to the Farmington Hills house fire where quick response made a huge difference.”

Heating the Safe Way

Winter heating is another big culprit. Space heaters are convenient, but only if used safely. Keep them at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire — blankets, curtains, furniture. And under no circumstances should you heat your home using an oven or stove.

Small changes like moving a heater or checking cords might feel tedious, but they can literally save lives.

Improper heating methods can escalate into incidents like the Bremen home fire where careful planning could have reduced risk.

What to Do If a Fire Breaks Out?

Even with the best precautions, fires can still happen. Here’s what you do:

• Stay low to avoid smoke and cover your nose/mouth if necessary.
• Check doors before opening them; if it’s hot, don’t go through.
• Evacuate immediately and never go back in for belongings.
• Call 911 once you’re safely outside.

I want you to remember this: panic kills faster than flames. Practicing these steps ahead of time means when a fire starts, your family moves calmly and confidently.

Have you ever practiced a home fire drill with your family? Share your experience in the comments — your story might help someone else get prepared.

Incidents like the California house fire that killed five show how quickly a home fire can escalate, making these drills absolutely critical.

Red Cross Resources to Keep Your Home Safe

One of the things I love about the Red Cross NJ is how they don’t just tell you what to do — they help you do it. You can grab home fire preparedness checklists, escape plan templates, and safety guides directly from their website.

They also run free smoke-alarm installation drives in at-risk communities across New Jersey. If you haven’t checked your alarms lately, or if your family could benefit from a professional installation, these drives are a lifesaver.

Beyond that, signing up for local alerts and newsletters from Red Cross NJ keeps you in the loop on seasonal safety tips and campaigns. I like to think of it as having a safety coach in your pocket, always reminding you of the small actions that can make a huge difference.

Check out our full home incidents section for guides, tips, and real-life stories to keep your home safe this winter.

Make Your Home Fire-Safe Today

Here’s the truth: all the advice in the world won’t matter if you don’t act today. Test your smoke alarms tonight. Draw or review your family escape plan. Move your space heaters safely. Walk through the steps with everyone in your household — kids included.

And don’t stop at your own home. Share these tips with neighbors or friends in New Jersey. A chain of prepared families is a safer community.

I want you to ask yourself: if a fire started in your home tomorrow, could everyone get out safely in two minutes? If the answer is “not sure,” take the steps now. Don’t wait for a headline to remind you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow official safety guidance from local authorities and the Red Cross. Individual circumstances may vary, so adapt tips to your home and family needs.