You’ve seen it in the headlines lately - there’s a spike in house fires around New Jersey.

This trend is seen all around the country year after year, with the American Red Cross responding in November and December to roughly 20% more house fires.

Just last month in New Jersey, the Red Cross said it responded to about 90 home fires, and it has helped 280 families and over 760 people.

A fire can grow four times in size every 60 seconds, so in reality, you have about two minutes to escape the home.

Smoke alarms on every floor of the home that last 10 years can improve outcomes, as can practicing exit plans.

“If the time ever comes that you have to use those skills, you’ve put in that practice,” said Kim Goetz, the Red Cross NJ region interim regional executive. “Kids can think back to it and just take action without getting nervous about it.”

Goetz said one of the most common causes of home fires is from cooking, but it’s important to also pay close attention to how you’re heating the space.

Never heat the home using a stove or oven. Also, make sure space heaters are at least three feet away from anything flammable.