This is the first in a series of daily FIRE FACTS provided by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10, 1998).

In one out of every four residential fires in Ohio in 1997, there were no smoke detectors present in the home. In fires where a smoke detector was present, it did not operate properly 16% of the time. Smoke detectors, when properly installed and maintained, provide early warning when fire occurs. For the greatest protection, install a smoke detector outside of each bedroom or sleeping area and on every level of your home and have an escape plan ready if the alarm sounds. Test them at least once each month to ensure that the detectors are working properly. Batteries in battery-operated detectors should be changed at least once yearly 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!

This year's theme is "Fire Drills: The Great Escape." State Fire Marshal James J. McNamee is encouraging all Ohioans to develop and practice a Home Fire Escape Drill on Wednesday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m.

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. An outside meeting place needs to be designated where the family will meet after they escape the house. Each family member should then go to a designated meeting space outside. To practice the plan, everyone should go to their bedroom as though they were sleeping. Start the drill by pushing the test button on your smoke detector. Everyone should move quickly out of the home and go to the outside meeting place. Remember to call the fire department from a neighbor's home and never re-enter a building that is on fire!

# # #