CONTAINING FIRE SEASON STATIONS ON THE FRONT LINES OF PROMOTING SAFETY MEASURES.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Though cooler temperatures have blanketed the Santa Clarita Valley, Southern California is in the midst of fire season and local firefighters are taking advantage of National Fire Prevention Week to promote awareness and fire safety.

Combining fire prevention with the vernacular of baseball, fire officials are educating residents through a slogan, ``Covering All the Bases and Striking Out Fire.''

Though fire prevention is recognized in the national campaign only this week, Los Angeles County firefighters are promoting fire prevention awareness throughout the month.

``We are asking that fire stations be available for citizens,'' said Capt. Jim Crawford. ``Our department is conducting fire drills, tours and demonstrations as requested.''

Pamphlets, brochures and other fire emergency information regarding fire safety are available at area fire stations as officials want to hit home the importance of brush clearance, rehearsal fire drills, and practicing general fire safety all year long.

Though brush clearance inspections were completed earlier this year, officials said that residents should keep brush cleared up to 30 feet from dwellings, and brush within 70 feet should be reduced and trimmed.

``Fire season is currently ongoing even though the weather is cooler,'' Crawford said. ``There is still a potential for wildfires.''

Dry, strong winds that bring warm air, known as Santa Anas that may occur in the next several months, are known to fan fires and create conditions that can be more of a hazard than only warm temperatures.

Twice a year, firefighters encourage residents to practice conducting a fire exit drill in their home with all family members.

``All we ask is for people to preplan,'' Crawford said. ``People should practice what they would do if there is a fire in their home.''

Residents are encouraged to use two exits, preferably a door and a window. They should stay calm and low, crawling to an exit and to a safe designated meeting place outside.

Firefighters said residents should have an adequate number of smoke detectors, which should be tested to make sure that the batteries are working. They encourage residents to change the batteries once a year, citing now as a good time with the need to change clocks later this month with the beginning of daylight-saving time.

Other ways to stay alert include keeping lighters away from children, talking to children about the danger of fire and teaching them to dial 911.

Residents should also remember to keep flammable material at bay and never leave a burning source unattended.

And as temperatures continue to cool, residents should take a special precaution when using portable heaters.

FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY CHECKOFF LIST

-- Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers:

1. Sufficient number of smoke detectors.

1. Ensure smoke detectors are working.

2. Test smoke detectors once a month.

3. Replace batteries in smoke detectors once a year.

4. Have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

5. Learn to use fire extinguisher.

-- Plan Escape Routes

1. Determine two ways to escape from every room in your home.

2. If you have to use a ladder, know where it is and how it's used.

3. Select a safe meeting place outside the home.

4. Practice your escape twice a year.

5. Once you are out, stay out.

-- Making a Safe Escape

1. Stay calm and call 911 as soon as possible.

2. If you see smoke in your first escape plan, go with the second.

3. If you must exit through smoke stay low, crawl if necessary.

4. Feel door before opening it, and don't open hot doors.

5. If smoke, heat, flame block your exit, stay with door closed and signal for help.

-- General Safety

1. Clear brush around your home to fire department regulations.

2. Keep lighters and matches away from children.

3. Never leave a burning source unattended.

4. Teach children about fire safety, the danger of fire and how to call 911.

5. Keep flammables away from stove

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FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY CHECKOFF LIST (see text)

Source: The Los Angeles County Fire Department and the American Red Cross.