In a press release Sunday, the American Red Cross of Utah noted its been a busy year for fires across the state.

“So far in 2025, the Red Cross has responded to nearly 120 home fires across Utah, providing assistance to almost 550 people,” the release said. “Nationally, home fires account for the majority of the 65,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to each year.”

Benjamin Donner, executive director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter, said there’s a simple action people can take to boost safety in their homes.

“Checking smoke alarms and creating an escape plan can take less than ten minutes but can save lives when a home fire strikes,” he said in the release. “It’s a simple yet powerful way to protect your loved ones.”

Fire Prevention Week started Sunday and goes through Saturday.

The release adds that the Red Cross recommends having at least one smoke alarm on each level of a home and testing them monthly by pressing the “test” button to ensure they work. The press release also notes that the Red Cross offers free installation of smoke detectors through the Sound the Alarm program.

“Typically, you have about two minutes to escape a home fire,” Donner said in the release. “It’s vital to include everyone in your escape plan, including children, pets, and adults, to ensure everyone gets out safely.”

As technology has continued to become a bigger part of our daily lives, it’s also introduced a potential hazard into homes — the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries.

In a press release from the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office, Utah State Fire Marshal Ted Black used the occasion of Fire Prevention Week to bring attention to the potential issue these batteries can pose if not handled properly.

“Lithium-ion batteries power our world, from our phones and laptops to e-bikes and toys,” he said in the release. “But with that convenience comes a responsibility to handle them safely. A damaged or improperly charged battery can lead to a devastating fire. This Fire Prevention Week, we are working with our local fire departments and our State agencies to educate all Utahns on how to protect their homes and families from this emerging fire threat.”

The Fire Marshall’s Office listed several tips on how to handle these batteries safely, including:

• “When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets established safety standards.
• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
• Always use the cables that come with the product to charge it. Also, charge the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.”

Locally, the Ogden City Fire Department is also getting in the spirit of Fire Prevention Week.

Ogden Fire Chief Mike Slater told the Standard-Examiner on Monday that the department will be having an open house at its main fire station on the south side of the Francom Public Safety Center on Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

“This years theme is ‘Charge into Fire Safety’ and will be focused on Lithium Battery safety in the home,” he said in an email. “We will have information from our Hazmat Response team, fire truck rides, vendors, and many more things happening that night.”

For more information on the Sound the Alarm program, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah.