Apartment fire displaces woman, infant

A 25-year-old woman and her infant child were displaced after a fire broke out in their Lorain apartment March 27.

When Lorain firefighters arrived at the residence located in the 4000 block of Oakhill Boulevard, they found smoke coming from the backside of the building, according to a Lorain Fire Department report.

Firefighters extinguished a small blaze contained to the rear of a refrigerator with a water can before removing it from the apartment, the report stated.

The Red Cross provided assistance, such as temporary lodging, food and clothing for the immediate needs of the woman, according to a news release from the Red Cross.

Red Cross volunteers will continue to help those affected, providing recovery assistance, resources and referrals to community partners, the release stated.

The Red Cross encourages residents to include fire safety precautions in their homes to avoid fires.

Residents should install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas, the release stated.

Additionally, the smoke alarms should be tested each month and replace the batteries at least once a year.

The organization also recommends developing a fire evacuation plan with all members of the household and practicing it several times a year, at different times of the day.

Evacuation plans should include two ways to get out of every room and escape ladders for sleeping areas or homes on the second floor or above also should be considered, the release stated.

A designated meeting area also should be incorporated as part of the evacuation plan.

Removal of any fire hazards from the home is a necessity, the release stated.

An all-inclusive Red Cross emergency app, which combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe, is available.

The Red Cross also recommends installation mobile app Monster Guard, designed for children to teach them to prepare for emergencies at home by playing an engaging game.

Those interested can find the apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.