Have a designated meeting spot for your family in case there is a fire. A meeting spot could be something such as a tree in your front yard or your neighbors house.

Have an evacuation plan of your home in case there is a fire. Make sure every family member knows several ways they can exit your home in case of a fire. Practice this plan often so if a fire does occur, every family member is prepared.

Make sure you have at least one, if not several fire extinguishers in your home. Be aware of the proper use of your extinguisher in the event of a fire.

Every home should have several smoke detectors installed and in good working condition, it is actually a state law to have one. It is recommended to check your detectors often to make sure they are in good, working condition. It is also recommended to have a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home. Today, many companies make combination smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors.

Never store combustible materials in your home, especially near heating units. Combustible materials include gasoline, paint and paint thinners, along with other flammable liquids.

Never leave any kind of open flame unattended.  Candles, fire places, gas stoves, and fire pits are a few examples of open flames.

Have your water heater and furnace inspected yearly by a qualified technician to make sure they are in good, working condition.

In the kitchen make sure you are aware of your surroundings. The kitchen is said to be the most dangerous room in the house because there are so many hazards around you. Be careful not to wear loose, long clothing when working around the stove, as it can easily catch fire. Keep an eye on your children as they can easily burn themselves or get into hazardous chemicals.

In the event that a grease fire starts, try to smother the fire out with a lid or large pan.  NEVER USE WATER ON A GREASE FIRE, as using water will just spread the grease and therefore spread the fire.  If you think there are still hot spots or the fire is smoldering in your cabinets, feel free to call the Fire Department and have them respond to make sure everything is ok.

On average there are 600 fires/explosions caused from outdoor BBQs/Grills resulting in injuries to around 30 people each year nationally.

• Check your gas hoses to make sure there isn't any wear or tear. Make sure your propane tank is kept upright at all times. Never use flammable liquids near your grill.
  

• Never burn charcoal inside a confined space such as your home or car, even if the area is ventilated. Yearly 19 people die nationally from burning charcoal grills inside. Charcoal produces CO fumes which become deadly fast!

During the summer months grassy areas become very dry and hazardous which can easily result in a brush fire.  Make sure you keep your grass cut down under at least six inches.  Dispose of dead vegetation properly and in a safe manner.  Keep your firewood away from structures or anything combustible.

Keep your matches and lighters out of reach from children.  Children are naturally curious about fire and tend to experiment with matches and lighters which results in a number of lossed structures each year.

When you are outdoors be aware of the weather.  Conditions change fast and a severe storm could roll in at any time.  If you hear thunder in five seconds or less after seeing lightning, you are in a strike zone.  Lightning is attracted to metal and water and tends to strike the tallest objects in the area.  In the event that you come across downed power lines, stay as far back as possible and immediately call the power company or the Fire Department.  If you are in your car and a powerline has fallen, don't touch anything metal in the car and do not try to get out, try to call 911.  If you find someone trapped in a car with downed powerlines on it, don't try to help them because you would be endangering youself, immediately call 911 and have the Fire Department respond.