Fire safety begins by knowing your way out. Plan two ways to escape each room, one of which might include a window. Remember that when traveling the route in smoky conditions that you need to crawl and stay low to the floor. Be sure that family members and neighbors know your "safe place to meet" when out of the home.

Most fires are cooking related. Accidents occur because people don't pay attention or leave the room and forget the cooking food. Other dangers exist from smoking, space heaters, electrical equipment, electrical cords, candles and intentional fires used to provide heat.

The first defense for a home fire is a fire extinguisher. One should be placed in an easily accessed location on each floor of the home and in the kitchen. Check these devices twice a year and be sure to learn how to use them most effectively.

The most important part of home fire safety is the smoke detector. Have one in each bedroom, in the hallway and one on each floor of the home. Test these twice a year, replacing the batteries both in the spring and fall when you change your clock for Daylight Savings.