Fire prevention is key Published Sept. 30, 2011 Tinker Fire And Emergency Services TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Did you know that almost every home in America has a smoke alarm? Yet, almost two thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm. It's time for Fire Prevention Week, and from Oct. 9-15, Tinker Fire And Emergency Services is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association to remind local residents and Tinker employees to "Protect Your Family from Fire: At Home and Work." During this year's fire safety campaign, firefighters and safety advocates will be spreading the word about fire dangers and the need to plan ahead while integrating simple fire prevention behaviors in our everyday lives. Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as 2 minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. Your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning -- a fire escape plan that everyone in your family has practiced. Something to think about: most fires are reported between the hours of 11 pm to 7 am, when most people are asleep. The latest NFPA research shows only one in four Americans has devised and practiced a plan of escape from the home during a fire. 75 percent of Americans believe they have as much as 10 minutes until a fire turns deadly. Surveys conducted by Tinker Fire and Emergency Services indicate close to the same numbers hold true for Tinker families. Protect your family from fire; among the fire safety tips that firefighters and safety advocates will be emphasizing: · Check smoke alarms monthly · Develop and practice an escape plan · Never leave cooking unattended · Safe use of electrical devices and cords · Use space heaters safely following the manufactures instructions · Make sure cigarette butts are out and disposed of properly · Know how to properly report a fire · Home fire sprinklers save lives