"Each

year we see an increase in the rate of fire deaths in Georgia during the

cold weather months," Oxendine said. "And typically 80 percent

of these fire deaths occur at home."

Oxendine offers

these home fire safety tips:

Heating equipment

is one of the leading causes of home fires in Georgia. Portable space

heaters, open fireplaces and wood stoves can be dangerous if misused.

Keep them away from curtains, draperies, and other flammable material.

Make sure heaters have adequate ventilation, and always follow the manufacturer's

operating instructions.

If you use

kerosene space heaters, make sure that each heater has an automatic shut-off

in case it tips over. Use only K-1 kerosene in a space heater; gasoline

can cause an explosion.

Smoking is

a major cause of house fires. Never smoke in bed, and keep matches and

lighters away from children.

Install an

adequate number of smoke detectors. Most fatal fires start between 11

p.m. and 6 a.m., while the family is asleep. The advance warning of a

smoke detector may mean the difference between life and death. Nine out

of ten fire victims are already dead before the fire department is even

called, mainly from smoke and toxic gases. If you already have smoke detectors,

don't forget to replace the batteries semi-annually, when you change your

clocks.

Each household

should have a well-rehearsed family escape plan. All rooms, especially

bedrooms, should have two escape routes. Have a predetermined meeting

place outside the house so you can be sure everyone is out safely. And

remember, never re-enter a burning house for any reason.

Have a fire

extinguisher readily available.

Precautions

such as these can help homeowners protect their property and the lives

of their families.