Special weeks can be of value to a lot of people if they “accept the message” and do something about it. Fire Prevention Week is coming up – Oct. 8 -14. It’s sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. One of the wamings of the week notes that residential fires cause an estimated 8,000 deaths each year, How can you disarm this killer? Here are some simple suggestions by the fire protection association: Since most home fires begin in the living room, basement, kitchen, utility room, or bedroom, place fire extinguishers in or near those areas. Use them to keep small fires from spreading. When a fire is discovered, telephone for help and evacuate the family. Keep the basement, attic and other out-of-the-way areas free of flammable materials. Avoid loose-fitting clothes when cooking. Don’t smoke in bed. Check for faulty appliances and overloaded electrical circuits – a leading case of home fires. It’s important also, says the fire protection association, to look for products for the home that are designed to be fire-resistant. Roofing fits into this category. Some roofing materials are far better than others. Fires cause deaths, injuries, heavy dollar loss. They can be devastating to a family. Even though you may never have had a fire, there’s always a first time. It will pay you to heed the message of Fire Prevention Week.