When it comes to a home emergency, most of us would prefer not to think about the risks of a potentially devastating event, such as a fire. But statistics show that these events do happen, and, what’s worse, many people are caught unprepared.

So, what are some steps you should take today to protect yourself or your family in the event of a fire or other emergency?

All alarms on deck.
One of the simplest ways you can help protect yourself against a fire is to make sure all smoke detectors are working correctly—if your smoke detector is not working, replace it immediately. Alarms should be tested at least once a month and batteries should be replaced at least once or twice a year.

Perfect your plan.
Especially when kids are involved, it’s key to develop a solid escape plan. According to the American Red Cross, sometimes you will have only as little as two minutes to escape a fire, so formulate a quick route to get everyone out safely, and commit it to memory.

Take preventative measures.
The next time you light a candle or fire up the grill, make sure there is nothing within a short distance that could also potentially catch fire. Human error is one of the most common ways for home fires to start—so be mindful about taking proper precautions.

Have resources at the ready.
It’s important to take preventative measures, but unfortunately sometimes accidents happen, no matter how hard you try to avoid them. That’s why it is just as important to have a plan for the days, weeks, and months after a fire, just in case. Keep a bag of supplies and necessities outside the home, in your vehicle or in a shed. And make sure any important documents are locked within a fireproof box.