BIDDEFORD – Patricia Couture has made fire prevention safety her mission.

Couture, the president of Female Firefighters of Maine, a volunteer firefighter in Alfred, and owner of Safe at Home consulting business in Biddeford, gave a presentation on fire safety at the McArthur library on Saturday.

She said during the month of October, National Fire Prevention Month, a lot of great education programs are done for children. However, she said, adults need to learn about fire safety as well, and teaching about fire prevention should not stop after the month of October is over.

“Public education is my passion,” said Couture.

Couture gave some basic information and tips to help prevent fires in the home.

“Cooking is the number one cause of home fires,” she said.

Many people in today’s society are distracted by technology or are trying to multi-task or have a lot of their mind or are just plain exhausted but they need to remain mindful while cooking, she said. Don’t wear clothing with long baggy sleeves while cooking and don’t put area rugs near stoves, she said.

Many people use space heaters for extra comfort during the winter. Couture gave some tips to those who have space heaters – always plug them directly into a wall outlet, keep heaters on a flat stable surface and keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.

Generators should be used with safety in mind as well. They should be used outside at least five feet away from doors, windows and vent openings. Exhaust fumes from generators should be directed away from nearby buildings.

Couture urged audience members to check their smoke detectors monthly, change batteries once a year unless they have sealed 10 year batteries, and buy smoke detectors every ten years. She also said to make sure households have carbon monoxide detectors.

Every family should have an escape plan, in case of fire, said Couture. The plan should be discussed and practiced, and have everyone meet at a designated location.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.