Fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and younger.

Each year, more than 660 children under age 14 die in fires and nearly 47,000 are injured. The majority of these deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors.

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week this week, Warsaw Fire Department has been providing daily tours and information to public, home and preschool children and day care providers.

"Children, especially those ages 5 and under, are at greatest risk from home fire-related death and injury," said Darlene Eherenman, Kosciusko County Safe Kids Coordinator. "Surviving a fire means knowing what to do. Families must have working smoke alarms in the home and, most importantly, plan and practice several fire escape routes."

Warsaw Fire Department Chief Matt Warren said that the EDITH program is offered through his department. Exit Drills in the Home is a program in which fire officials come to a Warsaw residence, draw a diagram of the floor plan to show the best step-by-step routes for escape and help the family determine an outside meeting place. Then, fire department personnel participate with family members in practicing the exit drill.

There is no charge for this program and arrangements to have an EDITH plan can be made by calling the fire station at 372-9501.

Knowing what to do to prevent home fires and teaching children what to do in the event of fire can save lives. The Kosciusko County Safe Kids Chapter and Warsaw Fire Department offer the following safety precautions:

• Install smoke alarms in your home on every level and in every sleeping area. Test them once a month, replace the batteries at least once a year and replace the alarms every 10 years.

• Place and practice two escape routes out of each room in your home. Designate an outside meeting place. [[In-content Ad]]