Within the first month of 2016, residential fires have claimed the lives of 20 people in Alabama, prompting state fire officials to heighten the call for home fire safety.

The 20 deaths in January double the number from the same period in 2015, according to records from the State of Alabama’s Fire Marshal’s Office.

“All of the fires that we’ve had this year claiming lives could have been prevented,” said Steve Holmes, public information officer for the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Anytime the temperature dips in Alabama, the number of fires tend to increase, Holmes said.

“People too often misuse heaters or place them too close to curtains, combustible materials or liquids, he said. “Just the other day, a woman died in a fire where there were five kerosene heaters inside a small, camper trailer,” Holmes said.

“Fire prevention is the best way to avoid fire fatalities,” he said.

Holmes offers these suggestions:

• Make sure you can hear the beep where you sleep.

It’s important to have working fire alarms and smoke detectors in homes and businesses. They must have working batteries and should be heard throughout the structure.

• Follow all safety instructions for portable heaters.

Heater packaging and instructions include steps and recommendations for proper operation. Pay attention the suggestions and follow them.

• Have a fire plan.

Every family should have a fire plan and conduct regular fire drills. Each person should know where to go if a fire begins. Often, fires start in the middle of night. Familiarity with the plan would help navigate in darkness during the crisis. Make sure everyone in the family, as well as any visitor or temporary resident, understands the plan.

• Move quickly

The first three to 10 minutes after a fire starts are critical. It takes a few minutes for public safety and firefighters to arrive, so moving quickly is important.

More Fire Safety Tips

• When cooking, always wear fitted clothing, and do not leave stoves unattended.
• Never smoke in bed, and keep lighters and matches away from kids.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from a flammable source, and do not leave fireplaces unattended.
• Do not use damaged electrical cords or overload outlets.