In honor of Fire Prevention Week, the firefighters from the 2007 Calendar of Heroes shared these important fire-safety tips:

- Never put a portable space heater near drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials.
- Keep matches, lighters, and candles away from children.
- Remove electrical cords from under rugs and behind radiators.
- Carelessness while smoking is a leading cause of fire. Don't empty ashtrays into the trash.
- Never overload outlets and extension cords.
- Don't leave candles unattended, and never sleep with them burning.
- If your clothes ever catch fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll.
- Move flammable liquids and materials stored near the stove to a safe, distant location.
- Early notification makes all the difference -- in case of fire, call 911.
- Install smoke alarms and replace the batteries twice a year when you change your clock for daylight-saving time.
- Develop a home-escape plan with your family and have a prearranged meeting place outside.
- Conduct a safety inspection of potential fire hazards in the home, then eliminate them.

Special Thanks
Terence Halloran, Engine Company 294 in Queens (January); Larry Parker, Ladder Company 129 in Queens (February); Jimmy Hughes, Engine Company 228 in Brooklyn (March); Robert Morgan, Engine Company 325 in Queens (April); Marty Mejia, Engine Company 315 in Queens (May); Michael Sottosanti, Engine Company 168 in Staten Island (June); Mark Derosa, Ladder Company 18 in Manhattan (Cover); Vinny Musacchio, Engine Company 62 in the Bronx (August); Ricardo Gonzales, Engine Company 324 in Queens (September); Victor Bruno, 6th Division in the Bronx (October); David Obiesie, Engine Company 62 in the Bronx (November); Blaise Major, Squad 288 in Queens (December)