Three children, ranging in age from 8 months to seven years, died in a Brooklyn, New York, house fire. According to fire authorities, the home had several smoke detectors but all the batteries had been removed to use in battery-powered toys! In Pennsylvania, a mother awoke to the smell of smoke and the sound of the smoke detector. She quickly rushed two of her children out of the front door and raced back into the burning building to reach another child. Unknown to her, the child had already escaped. The mother continued to search for her child until she was overcome by smoke. A pre-established meeting place could have saved the mother's life. The majority of all fatal home fires happen while people are sleeping. You can save lives by installing smoke detectors and practicing family escape drills!

Remember these fire safety rules...

• Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy,
• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home,
• Plan and practice two escape routes from each room, and
• Make sure your family knows where to meet outside.

Test your smoke detectors each month and keep spare batteries on hand. The Grover Beach Fire Department is happy to help. Installation of free smoke detectors is available and battery testing or replacement for existing smoke detectors may also be provided. Please call the Fire Department Administration Office at 473-4590 for more information.