Fires comes from any number of sources. Smoking is the most common cause of residential fires, and many of them start in the bedroom. Faulty wiring, unsupervised children and improper use of space heaters are among other causes for residential fires. Go through each room in your home and identify two exit plans. Practice exiting from different areas and meeting all members of your home at one location, choose a tree, mailbox, or street lamp. Call 911 once you are safely outside or from a neighbor's phone.

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm can help you and your family escape a deadly home fire. It can also help save the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have to risk their lives by searching a burning home for residents. A working smoke alarm continuously scans the air for smoke, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Test the alarm monthly
• For alarms powered by 9-volt batteries, replace the batteries at least once per year and the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years
• For smoke alarms powered by lithium batteries, the entire smoke alarm should be replaced according to the manufacture's instructions

If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:

• Open a window or door and press the “hush” button
• Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air
• Never disable a smoke alarm or remove the battery for ANY period of time; this can be a deadly mistake