The Fermilab Fire Department says not knowing what to do could cost you your life. Eight out of 10 fire deaths take place in the home and almost half of those deaths result from fires that occurred between 11 pm and 6 am when most people are sleeping.

The keys to survival are early warning and quick action. Fermilab Fire Department advises installing working smoke alarms on every level of your home to alert you if fire strikes, and developing and practicing a home fire drill, so you'll be prepared in an emergency. Taking these simple steps today can save your life if your home catches fire.

"Unfortunately, too few people realize how quick and how deadly a home fire can be," says Fire Captain Chuck Kuhn. "In the home setting, you only have moments to survive a fire, so every second counts."

While a home fire is reported every 81 seconds in the US, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says most people won't be prepared when fire strikes their homes. Fewer than half of Americans surveyed by NFPA knew they should leave the house at the first sound of the smoke alarm. The recent survey also revealed that only one-quarter of American families have planned and practiced a home fire escape drill.

"Many people are surprised to learn that smoke is likely to put them into a deeper sleep rather than waking them," Kuhn adds. "Smoke alarms provide extra time to follow the fire escape plan, increasing chances of survival. If people realized how little time they really have to get out of a fire, they would take the simple steps to protect themselves now."

NFPA is reinforcing this lifesaving advice as part of its annual Fire Prevention Week activities. The official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 80 years, NFPA establishes the theme and works with the federal government to coordinate the Presidential Proclamation for the annual commemoration. This year, Fire Prevention Week is October 5-11, and the theme is "When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!"

Joining NFPA in the public safety campaign are the Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home injuries, and Pella Corporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of premium quality windows and doors.

In addition, the three organizations have developed a special Weekly Reader Fire Prevention Week insert, which is being distributed this fall to nine million school-age children through their classrooms. The take-home safety materials will provide families with simple steps for planning home fire drills.

NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing ad advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, training and education. NFPA headquarters is located in Quincy, MA, USA.

For more information, please call the Fire Station at extension 3428.