It’s National Fire Prevention Week, and local fire departments have been visiting area schools to advocate fire safety, with a focus on smoke alarms.

The National Fire Protection Association says smoke alarms are crucial in saving lives, cutting the risk of dying in a home fire by half. Alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home.

Fire officials recommend testing alarms monthly and replacing batteries yearly, unless they’re the newer models with sealed 10-year batteries. They also stress the importance of having an evacuation plan in place.

For more information, visit nfpa.org or contact your local fire department.