Fire prevention week is underway.
It was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
Sarnia Fire and Rescue Public Education Officer Mike Otis says the focus this year is emergency preparedness.
"The theme this year is 'Every Second Counts, Plan Two Ways Out', it's about planning and developing a home escape plan," says Otis. "Unfortunately a lot of people don't plan, and then when an emergency happens and they're in a panic state, it's a lot harder to think straight."
Fire prevention week runs until Saturday, October 14.
Otis says firefighters will be visiting area schools and hosting tours at the East St. Fire Hall with students, to educate them on fire safety.