It is National Fire Prevention Week, and many local departments, including the Stuart Fire Department, are making sure those in their care know how to stay safe.

Assistant Fire Chief Shane Martinson says that there are many ways that house fires can be started, from cooking accidents and electrical issues, to heating equipment. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio why it is important for people to know how to prevent fires.

“It’s a matter of life and death, which is why we are so dedicated to participating in fire prevention. Over the years, house fires have become more dangerous. Today, you have three to four minutes to escape a house fire compared to approximately 17 minutes in the past.”

Martinson mentions that some key steps to helping make sure your family is safe is to make sure smoke alarms work properly, that there are two ways out of your home, and that the family has a meeting spot outside to ensure everyone is safe. He adds that it is also important that once you are outside the home, no one should go back in for any reason.