This is the fifth 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!

It's true. The place where many of us feel the safest -- our homes, apartments, mobile homes, and trailers -- is where we are most vulnerable to fire. Last year, 125 Ohioans died in residential fires. You can make your residence safer by installing smoke detectors outside of each bedroom and on every level of your home. These detectors should be replaced once each year and tested each month. Plan and practice a main and alternate escape route in case of fire. Use care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended. Be particularly careful in winter by following manufacturers' instructions on fueling and use of portable heaters and wood burning stoves.

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