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 Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10, 1998).

Did you know that smoking is the leading cause of fatalities in residential fires? Thirteen Ohioans died last year in fires caused by smoking. If you have smokers in your home, you need to be particularly careful. Provide smokers with large, deep, sturdy ashtrays and make sure that the ashtrays are emptied frequently. Douse the ashes with water before placing them in the trash. Be sure to check upholstery and cushions for smoldering butts before leaving home or going to sleep. Also, be sure to keep matches and lighters away from children by storing them in high, hard-to-reach places and out of sight.

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!

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