1997 National Fire Prevention Week is slated for October 5-11th. This year's theme is "Know When to Go...React Fast to Fire."

"In 1996, more than 14,400 residential fires occurred across Ohio, killing 125 people, injuring 950 and causing nearly $129 million in damage," said Donna Owens, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. "Many of these people would still be alive and far fewer injuries would have occurred if more families knew two ways out, had a home fire escape plan, and had smoke detectors present and in working order."

State Fire Marshal James McNamee recommends that Ohioans take the following precautions to ensure the safety of their homes and families. Whether you are at home or at work, it is vital that you know two ways out of every room. Chances are that, during a fire, one of your potential exits may be blocked or impassable, limiting your means of egress. Knowing two ways out and being able to make a quick, decisive response are often what makes the difference between life and death in a fire.

Every household in Ohio should practice the Home Fire Escape Drill. If a fire should occur, this drill can help you and your family escape. The Home Fire Escape Drill is designed to help families practice their two chosen escape routes out of the house if a fire should occur. Planning and practicing two escape routes -- one normal route through hallways and stairways; and an alternative route through windows or onto the roof -- will help save the lives of you and your family.

Working smoke detectors can alert you to a fire in your home in time to escape harm, even if you are sleeping. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside of each sleeping area. If you sleep with the door closed, install one inside your sleeping area as well.

Test detectors every month, following the manufacturer's directions and replace batteries once a year or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power. Never "borrow" a smoke detector's battery for another use --a disabled detector cannot save your life. Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old; and for complete protection, consider installing automatic fire sprinklers in addition to smoke detectors.

According to Fire Prevention Chief Terry Weber, firefighters surprisingly find that, although many smoke detectors retail for less than $10, they are often not present in homes or are not operational. In residential fires reported to State Fire Marshal McNamee's office, smoke detectors were not present nearly 33% of the time. In 15% of the fires, a smoke detector was present but did not operate.

"Sadly, the grave importance of installing and maintaining smoke detectors has not yet been fully realized," said Marshal McNamee. "Working smoke detectors save lives. Having an operating smoke detector doubles your chances of escaping a nighttime fire. By properly placing, regularly testing and maintaining your detectors, you can ensure that they are in fact working and will alert you if a fire breaks out."

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The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The Fire Marshal's Office trains firefighters, enforces the Ohio Fire Code, investigates the cause and origins of fires and explosions, provides fire prevention programs, and performs other services. Other Commerce divisions enforce regulations regarding industrial compliance, financial institutions, liquor control, real estate, securities, auctioneers, unclaimed funds, and private investigators, among others. The department's internet address is www.com.state.oh.us

NOTE TO EDITOR: During Fire Prevention Week, we will be sending out a series of daily releases entitled "Know When to Go...Betcha Didn't Know" which will provide fire facts on a variety of fire prevention and fire safety topics.