Each year, fire kills more people in America than all other natural disasters combined. Yet we’re inclined to think that fires only happen to other people…not to me, not to my home. Too often, people aren’t concerned with fire safety until it’s too late. But as any firefighter will tell you, the best way to fight fire is to prevent it. Because they know education is key to fire prevention, firefighters spend a lot of their time educating people about ways to safeguard our homes, our communities, and ourselves.

This article is intended to support educational efforts by helping you plan and practice fire safety — at home, at work, and outdoors.