Did you know that fire is the third leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States, yet most people ignore it. More than 150 workplace fires occur every day. So many of theses untimely deaths could have been prevented if they only had a plan.

The number one tip any family can have is, make sure all family members know what to do in the event of a fire. In a fire, timing is very critical. Don't waste time getting dressed, don't search for pets or valuables. Just get out! Set up a way for everyone to sound a family alarm. Screaming, pounding on walls, yelling “fire”!

If a fire happens in your home, you have to get out fast! Prepare for a fire emergency by sitting down with your family and agreeing on an escape plan. Be sure that everyone knows at least two escape exits, the doors and windows from every room. Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet after they escape the fire. Have your entire household practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Smoke detectors can alert you to a fire in your home in time for you to escape the blaze, it’s esp. useful when the family is asleep. Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home, including the basement. Test detectors every month, following the manufacturer's directions, and replace batteries once a year, or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power. Make sure your alarm works at all times! A non functional smoke detector can't save your life or your family’s. Replace detectors that are more than a years old. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America. Smoking in bed or when you are drowsy can be extremely dangerous. Provide smokers with ashtrays and soak butts with water before discarding them. Before going to bed or leaving home after a smoker has been smoking, check around and make sure there aren’t any lit buds.

Never leave cooking unattended. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles. Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump them and children can't grab them and burn themselves. If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until cool. For more safety tips and products visit www.safetyrus.com