This is the second in a series of daily FIRE FACTS provided by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week (October 5-12, 1997).

This year's theme is "Know When to Go . . . React Fast to Fire." It focuses on encouraging the public to be prepared to act decisively when a fire occurs. Every household should plan and practice a Home Fire Escape Drill which identifies two escape routes from every room in the event of a fire. One escape route should identify the normal route through hallways and stairways and the alternate route should designate the use of windows or the roof when the normal route is blocked. Each family member should then go to a designated meeting space outside. Do not go back inside for any reason!

Last year, there were 3,855 cooking-related fires in Ohio. Most kitchen fires occur when cooking is left unattended. Keep a careful eye on food being cooked so you can respond quickly if something goes wrong. It's also important to pay attention to the cooking area and remove hazards, such as pot holders and other combustibles that are placed too close to the burners.

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