The most effective way to protect yourself and your family in the event of a fire in your house is to:

(1) Be sure your smoke detectors are working properly.(2) Prepare and practice a family fire escape plan.(3) Consider installing residential fire sprinklers or making certain your next home has them already installed; they're like having your own firefighter on duty in your home 24 hours every day!

Of course, preventing a fire from occurring in the first place is the best way to save lives. Ross Valley Fire offers courses on preparing you and your family for disaster. Visit www.marincountycert.org to find the closest class to you. Visit www.getreadymarin.org for other disaster preparedness class options. Or you can contact Ross Valley Fire Department to speak to someone to schedule a fire safety inspection of your home and discuss specific questions and concerns you may have.