A working smoke alarm can more than double your chances of surviving a fire.

• Be sure to have a smoke alarm on every level of your house and in all sleeping areas.

• Make sure everyone in your home is awakened by the sound of the smoke alarm. If someone is hearing impaired, invest in an alarm that uses flashing lights or some other visual aid.

• Test your smoke alarms once a month. If this is difficult for you, ask a neighbor or family member to assist you.

• Change your smoke alarm batteries twice a year. A good rule of thumb to follow: change your clocks; change your smoke alarm batteries.

Always install and maintain heating and electrical equipment properly.

• Do not store newspapers, rags or other combustible materials near a furnace, space heater, or hot water heater.

• Keep at least three feet between space heaters and things like curtains, furniture, etc.

• Do not run extension cords under furniture or rugs.

• Do not overload electrical outlets.

• Do not allow pets to chew electrical cords.

• Be extremely cautious when using kerosene heaters. Never use any other fuel in kerosene heaters other than kerosene and never refill when hot.

• If you are having an electrical or heating problem, call a trained professional to have the problem fixed properly.