Does your family have a fire safety plan? October 5-11 is Fire Prevention Week, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.org) offers a variety of resources to educate you about safety precautions for prevention or in the case of fire.

One simple step to help keep your home and family safe is to install a smoke alarm in every room. Test each smoke alarm once a month to ensure it is working properly. A working smoke alarm could be your family's only warning signal of smoke or fire.

NFPA also advises families to practice exit drills during the day and night. Designate a central place outside where your family will meet.

Take a tour of every room in your home and determine if each one is fire-safe. Check the condition of electrical and extension cords, for flammable items near heat sources, and where candles are being used. Also, unplug electronic devices not in use. Look for anything that could be a source of fire ignition. Sparky.org includes a fire-safety checklist for the home, as well as games and activities to help educate kids about fire safety.

In addition, keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen and garage. Remember "PASS" pull, aim, squeeze and sweep to help you use the extinguisher safely and effectively. Store all flammable liquids, chemicals, and cleaners outside of the home as an extra precaution against fire.

Taking time to provide your family with extra measures necessary to remain fire-safe is a smart investment. For additional information on fire-safety education, contact Woodstock Fire Dept. at (770) 926-2302. In a fire emergency, call 911.

Carolyn Ann Larkin, Cherokee County's First Lady Firefighter