Besides a fire alarm, have a family code word for a fire emergency so that every member will know what to do.

Stress to each family member, time is everything. Get out of the house immediately and do not take time to get dressed. Have an outside meeting place for all family members.

Teach family members the importance of rolling out of bed and to stay low and avoid deadly smoke.

Feel the door knobs before opening and if they are heated do not open.

Don’t forget to Stop, drop and roll if clothes are on fire.

Check smoke detectors monthly and install them on every structure of a home. Choose smoke detectors with a FM or UL Label. This stands for Underwriters laboratories and factory manual. The purpose of a smoke detector is to sense invisible gases and large amount of smoke and burning fires.

Memorize or store emergency numbers in your cell phone and keep beside your bed at night. In case of a fire, exit the house before calling for safety.

Kitchens should be free of combustibles and grease fires should be put out with sliding a lid over the pan to smother the flames.

Space heaters should be kept three feet from any burning object. Always cut off when not in use.

Smokers should never smoke in bed and should be careful to discard cigarettes.

Keep matches and lighters away from children in locked areas. Teach children not to touch.

Electrical safety: Don’t overload extension cords and replace all frayed or cracked cords.