PARKERSBURG — National Fire Prevention Week will be observed through Saturday and the American Red Cross urges residents to practice a home fire escape plan and test smoke alarms.

“Taking the time to check your smoke alarms and practice your fire escape plan is especially important here in West Virginia which has the highest number of fire fatalities per capita,” Erica Mani, Chief Executive Officer for the West Virginia Region of the American Red Cross, said. “Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to check existing alarms and make a escape plan to get out of your home in less than 2 minutes.”

The Red Cross recommends:

* At least two ways to get out of each room in a home fire escape plan.

* A meeting spot at a safe distance away.

* Practice the escape plan until everyone can get out in 2 minutes or less.

* Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

* Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

The Red Cross’ Home Fire Campaign, launched five years ago in October 2014, has saved 642 lives across the country including 25 in West Virginia.

To request a free smoke alarm installation, volunteer to help or provide a financial donation for these lifesaving efforts, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrosswv.org.