SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- In anticipation of Fire Prevention Week, Cal Fire is urging Californians to pre-plan for the worst case scenario.
According to Cal Fire, homes today burn faster than ever, leaving just minutes to escape once the smoke alarm sounds.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “look, listen and learn.” In support of the week, the agency is asking Californians to develop a fire plan and practice it.
RELATED: Woman, mad at ex-boyfriend, accused of sparking massive Maryland apartment fire
Cal Fire offers tips on making the plan, such as checking to make sure fire alarms are working and making sure there are two ways out of every room like a door and window.
Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of house fires, Cal Fire says. Space heaters often cause home fires. Cal Fire warns residents to keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.
“As we approach Fire Prevention Week, now is the time to take a look around your home and see where your hidden hazards are,” said Chief Dennis Mathisen, California State Fire Marshal.
RELATED: Lit flare thrown into car parked in Lake Murray neighborhood
“That means go room by room, and really look closely at where you have items placed, stored, and plugged in. We all can do a better job of reducing our risks by being more fire aware and creating a potentially life-saving escape plan and then practicing it.”
Check out the list below for more on this year’s theme:
- LOOK - For places fire could start You don’t have to be a super sleuth to protect yourself and others from fire. Take a good look around your home for fire dangers and address the problems.
- LISTEN - For the sound of the alarm A working smoke alarm will clue you in that you need to escape. Fire moves fast. You could have only minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.
- LEARN - Two ways out of every room Draw a map of each level of the home, showing all doors, windows and two ways out of every room.
