Taking precautions around your house is crucial to preventing a fire tragedy at home. This week is National Fire Prevention Week, and Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief Kalin Montevideo says general fire safety includes ensuring all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work correctly in your home. Families should also devise an escape plan for a fire and have a pre-determined place to meet outside. Montevideo says the kitchen area is the most common area where fires begin.

Montevideo recommends placing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home and replacing all old batteries in all devices to ensure they function correctly. Tuesday this week marked the 153rd anniversary of the Great Fire of 1871, which killed over 1,200 people in Northeastern Wisconsin. You can find more tips on home fire safety by clicking this link.