Fires are scary, dangerous, worst case scenarios. Fires are always unexpected and you can never be too prepared.

Taking the time to check all smoke detectors in your home can mean the difference between life and death. It is very important that the batteries are replaced on a regular basis. Always be sure that you have enough smoke detectors for the size of your home. It is good to have a plan on the event of a fire. If there are small children in your home it is important to be able to get to them and get them out of the home as fast as possible. Older children can be taught what to do in the event of a fire. An escape route can be talked about and rehearsed for everyone’s benefit.

If there is only one door to your place of residence then a plan should be made as to how everyone will escape if the door is blocked by a fire. A window will probably be the only way to get out and it needs to be accessible for everyone. There are rope ladders that can be placed by a window that will allow people to get out of a window.

A fireplace or a wood burning stove is causes of many fires each year. It is important that the floor, wall and any rugs that are close to these items are fore resistant. A small floor rug that is not fire resistant can catch on fire from just a small spark.

Pets can be the hardest to locate during a fire. A lot of animals try to get as far away from a fire as they can. Usually they will hide and not come out even when being called. It is a good idea to include them when the family is doing fire drills. Get them used to hearing the word "fire," let them relate to it as a call to come out to you.

Use this time to prepare your family for the worst case scenario while having fun family time.