He says that early warning system is often a critical factor in getting people out of the home quickly and safely. Second, practice your exit drills, that includes determining a safe meeting place outside the home and making sure everyone knows where it is. Third, be careful in the kitchen. Long says most fires in the U.S. are kitchen fires, so never leave cooking food unattended and be especially careful when cooking with oil. Finally, he says, NEVER ever go back inside a burning home.

Julie Oberlander