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Saving your own life, or that of your loved ones, can be as easy as 1-2-3, Weeks said. First is having a smoke alarm and second is simply checking on your smoke alarm battery twice a year.
"Smoke is what kills the most people in fatal house fires, and a smoke alarm gives you an early warning," he said. "Just change the battery out when you change your clocks for daylight savings time, and that should keep them fresh."
Third, Weeks said, is having a fire escape plan.
"If your smoke alarm goes off, get out of the house," he said. "Families should practice drills, and have a meeting place outside the house, whether it's the mailbox or wherever."
And with Brookhaven units responding to two kitchen fires in the last week, Weeks said it's important that people know the right way to cope when things light up on the stove or in the oven.
"The best way to prevent a stove fire is don't leave it unattended," he said. "Even for just a minute."
And the old, standard advice is the best on a stovetop grease fire: Don't use water or flour, Weeks said. Baking soda is always an option, though the best plan is to have a fire extinguisher handy.
"Don't pick the pot up and try to take it outside while it's burning," Weeks said. "Put a lid on it, or if something in the oven is burning, leave the door shut and turn the power off. Just let it smother itself."
Meanwhile, practice general kitchen safety to prevent burn situations, like turning pot handles in on the stove and not allowing small children in areas where things are cooking. Also, the kitchen is not a place for dangling sleeves or loose clothes that might ignite if they come into contact with hot surfaces.
Finally, Weeks said, with winter on the way, the space heaters are coming out. People need to remember that just because they're portable doesn't mean they're not dangerous.
"Keep the curtains away, and anything that will ignite," he said. "Don't dry your clothes on a heater, because that can cause a fire."
Weeks said at the beginning of the season, there are often smoke scares when people turn their heaters because dust that has built up burns off early. Regardless, Weeks said, if the smell doesn't seem right, go ahead and call the fire department.
Other home tips for winter Weeks offered were to make sure to have someone check the chimney for creosote buildup before building a fire in the fire place, and follow proper procedures for a kerosene space heaters.
Weeks said more tips on home fire safety are available at www.firesafety.gov.
