CHENANGO COUNTY – Local fire departments continue to have open houses and school demonstrations his week to educate kids and their families about fire safety. The theme this year is "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!" and is a powerful reminder that fire escape planning saves lives.

Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matt Beckwith says everyone should practice evacuating their house in case of a fire. Families should work out two evacuation plans, identify a meeting place and do a few practice runs. Local firefighters educate schools on fire escape plans as well as how to dial 911, a school evacuation, fire extinguisher training, and of course, stop, drop and roll.

Another important part of this week is making sure your smoke detector is working properly. The batteries in a smoke alarm should be changed when the clocks go back. Beckwith suggests letting your entire family listen to the smoke alarm in your house so everyone knows what it sounds like.