Responsibilities of every family include preventing house fires and ensuring the safety of each family member in the event of a fire.

Fire drills are an essential part of preparedness. Does each member of the family know what to do if a fire breaks out in each different part of the house? Preparing a family fire plan includes knowing sensible escape routes from each bed-room, feeling doors before opening them (to check that they are not hot), using a wet towel or pillow case as a mask, staying close to the floor. Every bedroom needs two ways to exit. Recording (304** has useful information on home fire extinguishers. If you would like to encourage the County to add more recordings on fire preparedness, call 324-3185.

Properly working smoke detectors are now required by law in all single-family homes. Since homeowners are responsible for maintaining them in good working order, the failure to do so could jeopardize your fire insurance policy. At least one smoke detector should be installed on each level of the house, including each hallway in sleeping areas. Either of the two types of smoke detectors may be used: battery-powered or powered by house current. Battery-powered units are inexpensive and easy to install but you must remember to change batteries at least once a year. A simple way recommended by our local fire station is to change the batteries when you set your clocks in the fall and in the spring. For further information or to participate in a free installation program, call the fire station.

Records of your household furnishings are invaluable after a fire. The most useful records are accurate, thorough, and reasonably up-to-date. They should be stored in another location, such as at the home of a relative. A simple, effective way to inventory one's possessions is with a video camera. If you are interested in participating in a program to make such an inventory for your family, send a postcard to our Community Association.

Further information on fire preparedness and prevention is available from our local fire station and from the main office of the Fire and Rescue Department at 246-3801.