National Fire Prevention Week highlights steps families can take to avoid injury and damage.
Take these steps to ensure the safety of your family:
* If you haven't already, purchase smoke alarms for your home.
* Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the house, outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom.
* Smoke alarms should be tested once per month by pushing the "test" button.
* If an alarm chirps, it's warning the battery is low. Replace the battery right away.
* Never remove or disable a smoke alarm.
* Develop a fire escape plan for your home that includes two ways out of every room, as well as a designated spot outside the home for a meeting place.
* Make sure windows and doorways open easily. Plan and practice a fire drill.
* Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards.
* Never leave children unattended near hot stoves or burning candles, even for a short time. Children should cook only with adult supervision.
* Stay a safe distance away from a fireplace, wood stove or other heating system. Clothes can catch fire easily. Use fireplace screens and inspect and clean fireplaces each year.
* Turn off room heaters, lights, stereos, TVs and other electrical equipment when not in use.
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