The Russellville Fire Department is encouraging residents to make sure their homes are safe for their families and holiday visitors for a fun and festive season.

Smoke alarms

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom and sleeping area and on every level of the house, on the ceiling or high on a wall.
• The National Fire Protection Association recommends using interconnected smoke alarms and using both photoelectric and ionization models.
• People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers.

Fire escape plans

• When making a home fire escape plan, draw a map showing all doors and windows and discuss the plan with everyone in the home.
• Know at least two ways out of every room if possible, and make sure all doors and windows to the outside open easily.
• Designate an outside meeting place that is a safe distance from the house.
• Teach children how to escape if they are on their own and close the doors as they are exited.