Have you ever asked yourself that? To tell you the truth, I really didn't know that much about fire. I did know never smoke in bed, keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Of course, I remembered the most famous slogan if your clothing catches on fire: "Stop Drop, and Roll." When I read the Fire Safety booklet from the National Fire Protection Association, I learned a lot that I did not know.

Here are some things I learned. I didn't know that the temperature of the fire could reach up to 600^oF at eye level. Also that the floor level could be 90^oF. The room could become so hot that everything in it explodes; this is called "flash-over."

Did you know any of these fire facts? Even if you didn't know all of these facts, you should have a plan.

• Change the batteries in your smoke detectors, twice a year.
• Make and practice an escape route.
• Discuss what you and your family would do in case of a fire.
• Have a meeting point outside.
• Once everyone is out of the house, call 911 from a neighbors.

 To help prevent fires, use your common sense. Now that candles are very popular, never leave a lit candle unattended. Keep lit candles away from loose curtains, papers, etc. Make sure these candles are kept out of reach of small children!