Take sensible, preventive measures to help stop a fire before it has a chance to get started:

Consult your local fire department. Many local fire departments have inspection programs. Check with your fire department for advice about placing smoke alarms, purchasing fire extinguishers, and devising emergency escape plans.

Clean house. Do not let old papers and trash gather in closets, attic, basement, garage or under the basement stairs. If they would ignite, flames could spread rapidly. Throw rubbish out regularly.

Use flammables outside. Do not use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquids indoors. Keep flammables stored in approved containers.

Do not let rags collect. Keep oily, greasy or paint-smeared rags in closed metal containers until disposed of properly. Do not keep them in the house. Guard against spontaneous combustion.

Use flashlights instead of flames. Instruct every member of the family never to use matches or candles to light the way in the attic, closets or basement.

Have family fire exit drills. Plan in advance what escape routes you will use and designate a meeting place. Have an alternative route planned in case flames block your way. Make sure you instruct your baby sitters on what to do in case of fire.

Install smoke detectors in each occupied floor-including the basement-and within 15 feet of each sleeping room, which is the law in some states. Check detectors once a month; change the battery in battery-powered smoke detectors once a year or as needed.

Keep fire ladders handy near windows of upstairs bedrooms. Fire escape ladders save lives.

Do not hide extension cords. Extension cords should be in good condition and out in the open rather than under rugs, over hooks or through door openings and partitions.

Safeguard your chimney and fireplace. Use a rain-cap with a metal screen to catch sparks from the chimney. Chimneys should be checked before the heating season for possible obstructions, deterioration, and/or creosote build-up. Also, be sure to use a fireplace screen.

Keep important numbers visible. Post you fire department and local emergency telephone numbers near all phones.

Keep matches, lighters and all flammables out of the reach of children.

Inspect furnaces and heating appliances annually. Do not overlook the heating system, wood burning stoves or your chimney. Have them inspected and cleaned yearly.

Ventilate electronic equipment. Make sure there is ample air circulation around TVs, VCRs, stereos and radios, especially if they are grouped near one another.

Do not overload circuits or sockets. Make sure every room has enough electrical outlets to avoid the need for multiple attachment plugs. Never use more than one high-wattage appliance on a circuit at a time. Use surge protection outlet bars on sensitive electronic equipment.

Do not smoke in bed, when lying down, or when you are likely to fall asleep in a chair. Careless smoking is the cause of more than half of home fires. After entertaining, check all upholstered furniture and garbage containers before going to bed.

Use listed appliances. Make sure your electrical appliances bear the seal of the Underwriters' Laboratory (UL). Turn off the current when you are through using them.

Cook with care. Keep an eye on the stove while broiling or frying. Never put water on a grease fire; it spreads the flame. Never carry a burning pan because you could easily spread the fire throughout your home. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher or cover the fire with the pan lid. Do not wear frilly, long-sleeved clothing while cooking and keep handles turned toward the center of the stove to prevent accidental over-turning.

Keep proper fuses handy. Do not replace blown fuses with pennies, wire or anything other than a new fuse. A 15 amp fuse is correct for most lighting circuits.

Examine electrical cords. Do not let electrical cords for items such as appliances or lamps get wet. Keep kinks out and use a heavy-duty cord.

Learn how to use fire extinguishers. Equip your home with 2½-pound all-purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers good for Type A, B or C fires. Mount extinguishers properly and show everyone in the house how to use them. Make sure a fire extinguisher is available in the kitchen.