Some people think that fire safety is simply knowing what to do if your clothes catch on fire. Well, that is just part of it. Fire safety is everything you need to know to be safe, to make your home safe, and knowing what to do if ever a fire starts in your home

Prevent Fires

To "prevent a fire" is just another way of saying, "to stop a fire before it ever starts." Here are some things you can do in your home to prevent fires:

• Never cook without an adult present.
• Don't play in the kitchen when someone is cooking.
• Keep towels and other flamables away from stove-tops, fire places and heaters.
• Never place clothes or other flamables on a lamp.
• Do not plug too many items into a single electical outlet.
• Never play with matches or lighters!

Prevent Injury

There are also things you can do to protect yourself from getting hurt from fire.

• Avoid burns by never playing around a stove, fireplace or heater.
• Make sure you have a working smoke detector in every bedroom.
• Have your parents test smoke detectors once every month.
• Remind your parents to change batteries in smoke detectors twice a year.

Smoke detectors save lives, and by following these easy steps, your family will be alerted quickly to the danger of a fire, helping you to get out quickly and unharmed.

Plan Your Escape

It's so important to know what to do if ever a fire starts in your home!

By knowing what to do, you and your family can react quickly and increase the chances that everyone escapes safely.

One of the most important things to do is to create a family escape plan. On it, make sure to include the following:

• Two escape routes from every room.
• A safe meeting place for your family to gather once outside the home.

Practice Safety

Everyone knows that if you want to be good at something, you have to practice! Well, fire safety is no different.

Take time to practice what you'll do if ever you see or smell smoke, or if your smoke detector sounds.

Remember these important tips:

• React fast! The faster you act, the safer you'll be.
• Get out and stay out. Never go back in for any reason.
• If you see or smell smoke, "Stay Low and Go!"