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Campbellton - A pot holder too close to a lit burner or a space heater left on overnight could be all it takes to start a home fire. In fact, cooking and heating are among the leading causes of home fires in New Brunswick.

That's why the Campbellton Fire Department is teaming up with other fire departments across this province from Oct. 5 to 11 to urge residents to prevent home fires during Fire Prevention Week. This year's campaign focuses on preventing all the leading causes of home fires –— cooking, heating and electrical equipment and smoking materials. Additionally, fire safety educators will be teaching local residents how to plan and practice escape from a home in case a fire occurs.

While the number of home fires is daunting, the good news is that many are easily preventable when residents take simple steps to increase their safety from fire. Whether it's smoking outside the home, keeping space heaters at least one meter away from anything that can burn, or staying in the kitchen when you are using the stovetop, there are easy things you can do to keep your home and family safe from fire."

Do you know how to keep your home safe from fire hazards? Reviewing the following information and taking action can help you prevent home fires during Fire Prevention Week and year-round.

— Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period time, turn off the stove.

— Heating: Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment.

— Electrical: Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords; use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.

— Smoking: If you smoke, smoke outside; wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.

Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For 85 years, fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

Most fatal fires occur in residential settings where people feel safest. Fire can spread quickly through your home, leaving only precious minutes to escape. Your ability to get out fast depends on advanced warning from smoke alarms and advanced planning — creating a home fire escape plan. Reduce your family's risk from fire by following the tips below.

Smoke alarms

— Make sure everyone in your home can recognize the sound of the smoke alarm and knows exactly what to do when it sounds.

— Install working smoke alarms near sleeping areas and on every level of your home. For maximum protection also install smoke alarms in bedrooms.

— Smoke alarms should be tested and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Alarms should be tested once a month by pushing the test button and listening for the alarm.

— For battery operated smoke alarms, replace batteries at least once a year or for extended life batteries according to manufacturer's instructions. Batteries should also be replaced when the smoke alarm makes a chirping sound.

— Smoke alarms should be cleaned at least every 6 months, by gently vacuuming the exterior.

— Smoke alarms do wear out and should be replaced at least every 10 years.

Home fire escape plans

Fires are real, not just events in the news or movies. Fire is fast, extremely hot and spreads rapidly. It creates thick black toxic smoke that is even more deadly than flames. When fire strikes, seconds are important. There is no time to stop and think. Everyone needs to know what to do. Smoke alarms provide the early warning of the problem and a home fire escape plan will provide time to escape safely. Although we hope you never have to use it, planning and practicing your home escape plan may one day save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Create a home fire escape plan showing two ways out of every room. Practice your plan with your entire family by having a home fire drill at least twice a year.

Choose a family meeting place a safe distance away from your home. All family members should be taught to report to the family meeting place after leaving the home.

One person should then go to a neighbour's house or the nearest phone in a safe location to contact 911 or your local emergency number.

Make fire safety your priority in your home!