This week, October 4th-9th is Fire Prevention Week, and this year the focus is on burn awareness and prevention, in addition the usual awareness about how to keep your home safe from fires.

In order to prevent burns, the National Fire Prevention Association, recommends simple steps like wearing short-sleeved or close fitting clothes when cooking over a stove and testing bath water before getting in.

To get involved in the week, educate yourself about some easy ways you can take to fire-proof your home, like:

• Make sure electrical cords are in good condition
• Plug lamps and appliances into separate electrical outlets
• Test all smoke alarms monthly
• Make sure you have an escape route that is clear of junk and accessible to everyone in the house
• Keep curtains and loose fabric away from the stove
• Make sure portable heaters are off when you go to sleep
• Get your furnace inspected yearly
• Get your chimney cleaned yearly