Of course, the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire doesn't break out in the first place. That means you should always be aware of potential hazards in your home. Start by keeping these tips in mind.

When you are in your house, never allow anything to lie on a lamp like clothes or blankets, even for a short amount of time. Never touch a heater or a radiator, ask an adult to turn it on or off for you. You also never want to stand too close to a fireplace or a wood stove because your clothes could catch fire. If you see unattended lighters, matches, or candles, don’t touch them. Let a parent or other adult know you’ve found them.

If you are in the kitchen, remember to never cook alone, if at all. Always make sure a parent or another adult is in the kitchen with you in case something happens or you need their help. Pot handles should be turned to the center of the stove and not hanging off the edge where it could get knock over. Never place plastic, paper, or cloth (like a dish rag) close to a stove either.

You can make your home safer by reminding parents to: put fire alarms in your house (especially around bedrooms), test alarms monthly to make sure they are still working correctly, and replace old batteries with new ones every year.

Fires are frightening and can make anyone panic. You should rehearse different scenarios with your family so you will be less likely to waste any time trying to figure out what to do. Draw out and rehearse the escape routes you've planned for each room of your home. Decide where a good meeting place would be outside your home that is a safe distance away. This is where everyone can meet up after they get out.