"Most home fires, especially bedroom fires, can be prevented. Many bedroom fires are caused by child play, misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, careless use of candles, and smoking in bed."

• Be sure to keep flammable items like bedding, clothes and curtains at least three feet away from portable heaters or lit candles.



• Electrical outlets should never be overloaded.



• Never operate items like appliances or electric blankets if they have frayed power cords.
  



• And, again—never smoke in bed, a foolhardy activity which accounts for about 30 percent of bedroom fires.



• Replace mattresses manufactured before the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.

"Fires and burns are leading causes of injury and death to children. Unfortunately, many of these fires are started by children themselves. Two-thirds of bedroom fires are started by children playing with matches or lighters."

• Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage.



• Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.



• Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year.



• Teach everyone the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique in case clothing catches on fire.

1. Stop—The fire victim must stop, ceasing any movement which may fan the flames or hamper those attempting to put the fire out.



2. Drop—The fire victim must drop to the ground, laying down if possible.



3. Roll—The fire victim must roll on the ground in an effort to extinguish the fire by depriving it of oxygen. If the victim is on a rug or one is nearby, he can roll the rug around himself to further extinguish the flame.