National Fire Prevention Week just wrapped up, but the safety lessons it teaches are important year-round.

"It's something where you think it's just not going to happen to you ever. By experience, I can tell you there are a lot of people who think that as I'm standing in front of their houses while it's on fire," explains Clifford Mayes, Niagara Falls Fire Department Battalion Chief. 

The Niagara Falls Fire Department says everyone should have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It's also critical to have emergency exits and escape plans already in place.  

"We hear smoke detectors go off often if you're taking a shower or from the steam in the kitchen. So sometimes we get a little complacent where we don't take them seriously. But it's very important that you always evacuate the house or wherever you are if you hear any kind of smoke alarm," says Joel Stephenson, Niagara Falls Fire Department Safety Educator. 

Firefighters say it's also important to hold drills and let your children know not to hide in the case of a fire. During emergencies, firefighters are there to help.

"Children when they're scared, they usually tend to... look for someone that they know. And a lot of times when they're in the room, there is no one that they know. They tend to hide which makes our job harder if we have to find them," states Stephenson.

"They don't know what's going to happen next, where they're going to go, where their next meal is coming from, who's going to clothe them. It's all stuff that you really don't want to have to think about," adds Clifford, speaking about the people facing a fire.

Since this devastation can happen to anyone, it's important to take preventative measures.