EARLY BRANCH, S.C. () — A family of four was displaced after their home caught fire Saturday evening. American Red Cross disaster-trained volunteers are them after their home, located on Ridgecut Road, Early Branch, was damaged. The Red Cross is helping by providing financial assistance for immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, along with referrals to much needed resources.

In South Carolina, The Red Cross responds to an average of 6 home fires every day. In the colder months, there is unfortunately a 30% increase in home fires. 

“Home fires are a real threat to communities across South Carolina year-round, especially during the winter months,” said Yolanda Gainwell, Interim CEO for the Red Cross of South Carolina. “We at the Red Cross are urging families to take home fire safety steps to keep your family safe this winter.”

HOW TO SAFELY HEAT YOUR HOME According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are most often responsible for home heating fires. Follow these tips on how to safely heat your home:

• If you must use a space heater, never leave it unattended. Place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes.
• Plug space heater power cords directly into outlets — never into an extension cord. Turn the space heater off every time you leave the room or go to sleep. 
• Keep children, pets and anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment. 
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Never leave a fire burning in the fireplace unattended. Make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep embers in the fireplace.
• Have furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves inspected annually by a professional and cleaned if necessary.