NEWSBRIEF: Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 7-13

Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere and in a fire, seconds can make all the difference. Local firefighters encourage residents to take these steps to help reduce the chance of death or injury in a fire — remember, look, listen and learn.

• Look for places a fire could start. Take a look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

• Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You only have minutes or seconds to escape safely once a smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place a safe distance from the home.

• Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.