With a few simple items, you can help us help you.

A properly operating smoke detector is the best tool you can use to stay safe. In the event of a fire, you'll be warned long before deadly smoke and fire gases can harm you. That means you'll have plenty of time to escape. We'll even show you how to maintain your detector, and what to do if it sounds.

If you use gas-burning appliances in your home, a carbon monoxide detector can protect you from the odorless, colorless, deadly gas that's produced as a by-product of fuel combustion. We'll help you pick and install a CO detector that suits you needs and recognize the symptoms of over-exposure.

Every fire department in the world takes a few minutes to reach your home once you dial 9-1-1. Those first few minutes of a fire are crucial. By keeping an appropriate fire extinguisher handy -- and knowing how to use it -- you can stop a minor incident from becoming a major fire.