10 Tips to Home Fire Safety The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has ten easy ways to improve fire safety in everyone's home. Check your home to see that your fire safety plans won't "go up in smoke."

1. Maintain smoke detectors. - Test the detector(s) every month. - Replace batteries once a year. - Don't be a "battery bandit;" Never borrow the batteries from a smoke detector. - Never paint a smoke detector. - Clean detectors with a vacuum cleaner - without removing cover. Dust and cobwebs can reduce sensitivity to smoke. 2. Plan and practice to escape a fire. - Have at least two ways to get outside from each room in your home, especially bedrooms. - Practice escape plan at least twice a year. - Get out right away as fast as possible and don't stop for anything. - Stay outside until you are sure it is safe to go back. - Have a meeting place outside prearranged, so you'll be sure everyone is out of the home. - Never use an elevator. It might take you right to the fire. 3. Know how to deal with smoke. - If you encounter smoke, use an alternate escape route. - If you must exit through smoke, keep low where air is cleanest (1-2 feet above the floor) and crawl on your hands and knees to safety. Cover you mouth and take short breaths. 4. Keep an eye on smokers. - Don't let anyone smoke in bed. - Put water on butts before discarding. - Before bed or leaving home check under and around sofa cushions for smoldering cigarettes. 5. Be a careful cook. - Never leave cooking unattended. - Keeping cooking area clear of items that will catch fire. - Never put foil or metal in a microwave. - Keep pot and handles turned inward so they won't be knocked over. - If there is a grease fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the burner. - Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves to cook. 6. Give portable and space heaters the space they need. - Keep heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. - Keep children and pets away. - Always turn heaters off when leaving home or going to bed. 7. Remember, matches and lighters are not toys. - Use child-resistant lighters. - Store matches and lighters up high where children cannot reach them - preferably a locked cabinet. - Teach children that matches and lighters are tools for adults, not toys for children. 8. Take care of a burn the right away. - Immediately place the burned area in cool water for 10-15 minutes. - If a burn blisters or chars, see a physician immediately. 9. Be careful with electricity. - Replace cracked or frayed electrical cords. - If an appliance smokes or smells hot, unplug it right away and have it repaired. - Don't overload extension cords or run them under the rug. - Don't tamper with fuse boxes or fuses of the wrong size. 10. Know what to do if your clothes catch fire - - STOP, DROP, AND ROLL! - STOP where you are. Never run. - DROP to the ground. Cover your face with your hands to protect face and lungs. - ROLL over and over to smother the flames. For more information on Installing / Testing smoke alarms, Home Fire Escape Plans, Hunting for home hazards and other NFPA Safety Tips, you can visit the NFPA website.

Teach your children about fire saftery in a fun interactive way with Sparky the Fire Dog,