Bedrooms may be private retreats, but the truth is, most fires happen at night, and many victims -- especially kids -- die in their own rooms.

With a few changes, you'll sleep tight knowing your home is safe:

- Install a smoke detector outside each bedroom.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector near each bedroom.
- Keep a flashlight in each bedroom.
- Buy fire-escape ladders for each bedroom above the first floor.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers by each phone.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Put extension cords away from areas where they can be stepped on or tripped over -- they'll fray and spark or overheat and smolder.
- Don't overload outlets, and keep furniture and bedding away from wires -- they'll overheat and smolder.
- Check all appliances and extension cords for frayed or exposed wires.
- Unplug heating pads and electric blankets when not in use.
- If you take medicine at night, or need a drug such as nitroglycerin, place only one medicine on your bedside table. Turn on a light and verify that you have the right medicine before taking it.
- Keep a lamp that doesn't tip easily within easy reach of the bed.
- Keep eyeglasses on a bedside table.
- Avoid sleeping on a heating pad - it can cause serious burns at even a low setting.
- Remember that extension cords are temporary -- don't use them as permanent fixtures or they'll overheat and smolder.