This is the fourth 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!

These alternative heating devices caused 1,290 fires last year in Ohio which resulted in nearly $8 million in property damage. These devices require greater attention to safety precautions than central heating systems. Follow all manufacturer's instructions and never use gasoline to start a fire or fuel a kerosene heater. Remember the three-foot rule: measure a safe distance between heating equipment and anything that can burn, including people and pets. Make sure you turn off all heating equipment before leaving home or going to sleep.

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