It all starts at home.

It all starts at home folks. Take a look at this article. This article is of importance to me because I work in and around the fire service. This was definitely a tragedy avoided because this child knew what to do. I have compiled for you a list of links with some very helpful information for you and your families.

You should always have a fire escape plan. Nothing is more important than knowing what to do in the event of a fire. This is a good basic fire escape plan to practice with your children. This article also has a fire safety checklist, explains the three elements of fire, and lists a few sources for each element.

You should always have at least one fire extinguisher in your house. Preferably one in every room. Here is a good article that explains the different types of fire extinguishers and how to properly use them.

You should have a working smoke detector in every room of your house. Remember, batteries die! You should change the batteries in your smoke detector every 6 months even if they aren't dead. Some fire departments even offer free smoke detectors and batteries. Here is a link that explains how smoke detectors work.

Last but not least, you should have a working carbon monoxide detector. Over 200 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning with an additional 5000 injured. That is way too many lives. Just a few dollars can save lives. Click this.

I hope everyone understands the purpose of my little blurb. Please do not think this will never happen to you. I see this stuff on a daily basis and it is very real. My house burned down when I was a child. It happened to me.