Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

That was certainly the case this week at a variety of events at local schools during National Fire Prevention Week.

Throughout the county, fire departments visited schools in an effort to educate students about fire and the proper steps to take in the case an emergency like this would arise.

Students at some schools also had the opportunity to go into a simulated house dubbed the “smokehouse” and learn the best way to maneuver throughout an area when smoke and fire may be present.

We applaud the efforts of all the schools and fire departments to educate our children about the real danger fire can present and how to respond if a fire would occur. This is a valuable community service that could ultimately help save lives.

However, it is equally as important for all adults to educate themselves as well.

The theme for this year is “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep,” and it is critical to have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in several locations throughout the home.

Here are some additional tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.

Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.

Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home twice a year.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.

Ultimately, being prepared and taking preventive measures now can go a long way.