Save your family's life with the "fall back" hour this weekend!

Every year house fires cause over 4000 deaths in the United States. Approximately 130 of those deaths are in the state of Georgia. Many could be avoided if all families have working smoke alarms in their homes. Of course having a smoke alarm isn't enough. You have to have WORKING smoke alarm. It should be tested at least monthly and you should have a fire escape plan for your family that you have actually practiced.

Remember those fire drills when you were in grade school? Well plan one for your family. You should practice several times and with no notice to all family members. An in the middle of the night drill will tell you if your family is ready and would likely survive a house fire. It's also a good idea to have several fire extinguishers in your home. I have one in my laundry room, one in the kitchen and one in my bedroom. I also had one in each of my children's rooms when the kids still lived at home, but I sent them off to college with them. (I also keep one in the trunk of my vehicle)

So this weekend when you get that extra hour... make good use of it. Make sure you have working smoke alarms, add fresh batteries and sit down and plan your fire escape plan with your family. It could save your life and the lives of those you love if you just have a plan of action to take in case of a fire.

I've heard it said so many times that people say "well I'd try to get my photographs, they can't be replaced." Well I've lost a family member in a house fire and your photographs can be safe guarded, but you certainly can't replace people. You can scan photos and store the cd at the bank in safe deposit box or use one of the many on-line places to store your photos. Get your family out. Make a plan.

The Ready.Georgia website has some great information for planning. And some do and do nots for different types of fires that you should know and teach your children about.

Most home fires occur in winter when heat from different sources is being utilized. So Saturday night when you are getting ready to go to bed, remember to change your clocks! But even if you forget that... don't worry you'll be early not late to church! But whatever you do, don't forget to make sure you have a working smoke alarm and a fire escape plan. It just may save the lives of those you love. And I can't think of anything more important than that.