To reduce fire danger in your home remember...

To install and maintain your smoke alarms
Smoke alarms warn you of a fire in time to let you escape. Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near each sleeping area. Test smoke alarms regularly and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Replace weak or dead batteries immediately with new ones. Remember, if your smoke alarms are hardwired they will not function during a power failure - consider installing a backup battery powered smoke alarm as an additional asset to your home.

Plan and practice your fire route escape
Prepare and practice a fire escape plan with every member of your household. Look for two ways out of each room. Arrange an outside meeting place and a safe location to call 9-1-1. If you live in a multi-storey building, in the event of fire, don't use elevators.

Space heaters need space
Keep portable and space heaters at least 1 metre (3 feet) from anything that can burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave the house or go to bed. Keep children well away from heaters.

Smoking is hazardous
Set up a designated smoking area outside with large, deep ashtrays, and soak the butts with water before dumping them in the trash. Ask smokers to take it outside to reduce the risk of indoor fires and protect people from being exposed to harmful second-hand smoke. Smokers need watchers. Before going to sleep, check under and around sofa cushions and upholstered furniture for smouldering cigarettes.

To be careful when cooking
Be alert when you cook, and keep children out of the way. Don't wear loose fitting clothing and be careful not to reach over hot burners. Never leave cooking unattended, If a pot catches fire, cover it with a lid to smother the flames and turn off the burner. Keep pot handles turned inward.

Matches are not for children
Matches and lighters are for adults and should be kept out of the reach of children! Teach children that matches and lighters are only for adults.

Use electricity safely
If an appliance smokes or smells like it is burning, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Check all of your electrical cords and replace any that are cracked or frayed. Don't overload electrical outlets or run extension cords under rugs or carpets. Don't tamper with the fuse boxes or use fuses of improper size.

How to cool a burn
If someone gets burned, immediately run cool water over the wound for 5 to 10 minutes to ease the pain. If the burn is blistered or charred, see a doctor immediately.

Stop, drop and roll
If your clothes catch fire, don't run. Stop where you are, Drop gently to the ground, Cover your face with your hands to protect your face and lungs, and roll over and over until to the flames are smothered.

Crawl low under smoke
If you get caught in smoke, the cleanest air will be near the floor. Get down on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest safe exit.

Power failures
When power fails don't use open flames or a charcoal grill indoors. Don't use gas-fuelled appliances as alternative heating sources indoors. If you plan to use a portable generator, don't connect household items to the generator unless you have it wired professionally - don't hook the generator up to your home's electrical system. Be sure the generator is kept outside where exhaust doesn't enter buildings. Test your smoke alarms now - remember, if they're hardwired they won't function during a power failure - install backup battery-powered smoke alarms for additional protection.

Keeping these things in mind could save your or your loved one's life!