Fire Prevention Week: Brushing Up On Your Safety [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD -- October and the fall season is a great reminder to brush up on your fire safety.

October is Fire Safety Month and this week is Fire Prevention week.

Lynn Cook is the Assistant Fire Marshal with the St. Cloud Fire Department. He says it's a great reminder to check your smoke detectors.

"We want to make sure that everyone makes sure their smoke detectors are clean, batteries changed and we even recommend the kids get involved," says Cook.

The country has had a Fire Prevention Week since 1922, when it was declared by the President.

Cook says it's a good reminder to check areas with the most potential for starting fires like chimneys.

"Fire prevention in the house is something you should do year round, but making sure things like your chimneys are clean from nests or anything that could start a fire is important," says Cook.

While a fire can occur at anytime, knowing where and how to work a fire extinguisher is important. The process is to pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, then sweep over the fire (P.A.S.S.).

"You have 25 or 30 seconds if the fire is still burning after that time we recommend calling 9-1-1," says Cook.

And if a fire should occur make sure your family has a plan in place.

"Make sure everyone in the family understands if you have to leave the house because of a fire, that everyone goes to the same stop," says Cook.

If you would like more information about Fire Prevention Week visit www.fpw.org.