Seven persons have died in fires this week in Wisconsin and an American Red Cross spokesperson says it's time for everyone to check for fire hazards.
Two children in Sheboygan Falls died this week in a house fire. Another fire in Antigo injured a teenager. Several other fires have been reported in the Northwoods this winter.
American Red Cross spokesperson Barbara Behling says fires kill more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes and lightning strikes combined. She says one of the deadly fire starters is smoking in bed...
"....it's very dangerous, especially people who are on oxygen machines. I've lost count of how many people have perished because they've been smoking in bed...."
Behling says be very careful with candles. She says a new trend is to use battery operated candles which don't have an open flame. She also says don't try to heat your home with your stove or range. She says make sure you have a working smoke detector and have a plan to escape the house that everyone knows about. She recommends having a designated meeting spot and don't leave that spot.
The American Red Crosswebsite has more information
