When the weather gets colder outside, the likelihood of dangerous fires increases as people try to find ways to stay warm inside.

Montevallo firefighters, as well as others around the county, are trying to do their part by educating the public on fire prevention.

Here are some fire education tips, courtesy of the Montevallo Fire Department and the Alabama Department of Public Health:

-Test smoke detectors in your home monthly, and change the batteries twice a year. Every time you change your clock, change your smoke detector batteries.

-Never remove or disable a smoke alarm.

-Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old, or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.

-Make sure everyone in your home knows the sound of the smoke alarm.

-Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the house. That way, when one sounds, they all will sound.

-Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside every bedroom.

-Create and practice a home fire escape plan, making doors and windows that can be used to get out of every room. Choose a meeting place outside your home for your whole family, a safe distance away from the house and from where emergency personnel will park. Practice at night.

The We Say is the opinion of the Shelby County Reporter editorial board.