Fire Prevention Week runs October 4–10, 2026. This year focuses on safe charging of everyday lithium-ion devices. It is also a useful reminder to review your household emergency plan before something goes wrong.
Five home readiness checks
1. Test smoke alarms monthly. Follow manufacturer instructions and check their age. The American Red Cross recommends replacing smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
2. Practice your escape plan. Identify two ways out of each room where possible and choose an outdoor meeting place. In a fire, get out, stay out, and call 911 from safety. Do not delay evacuation to locate a guide or shut off utilities.
3. Charge devices safely. Use manufacturer-approved chargers on hard, flat surfaces, away from beds, couches, pillows and exits. Stop using a device that becomes unusually hot, swollen, smoky or develops an unusual odor. Follow emergency guidance if there is immediate danger.
4. Document utility locations during a calm, safe period. Record the main water shutoff, electrical panel and gas shutoff where applicable. Ask your utility or a qualified professional to identify unfamiliar equipment. Never approach unsafe equipment or operate a gas shutoff based on a guess.
5. Review emergency contacts. Keep household and utility contacts current, and show household members where the information is stored. Never record passwords, alarm codes or entry codes on an accessible guide.
Arizona update — October 6, 2026
On October 5, the Central Arizona Red Cross reported that its disaster teams responded to 534 home fires during FY2026. This local reminder makes Fire Prevention Week a good time to review household readiness. Show household members where your escape plan and emergency contacts are kept, and review your documented home information together.
How ShutSafe fits your readiness plan
ShutSafe keeps previously identified shutoff locations and supported home-emergency information organized in one accessible indoor place. It does not replace smoke alarms, escape plans, emergency services, professional inspections or utility guidance, and does not guarantee prevention of damage or injury.
Review your home information this week. Visit our Shop to explore the ShutSafe Home Kit — $49.99 — or Safety Guides for additional readiness information.
Sources:
NFPA: https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week
American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2026/20-ways-to-prevent-a-home-fire.html
Arizona update: https://saffordthrive.com/fire-prevention-week-red-cross-offers-ways-to-help-keep-loved-ones-safe-and-reduce-your-risk-of-a-home-fire/
