December 2016 saw 11 fire-related deaths, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy is stressing the importance of having working smoke alarms and having a home fire escape plan, a release stated.

“Fire safety in the home should be the one New Year’s resolution you never break,” Duffy said in the release. “If a fire were to break out in your home, you literally have only seconds to ensure your family’s safety.”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to make fire safety in the home a priority. Most fire deaths happen when people are asleep (between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.). Don’t let this happen in your home. Keep your family safe by installing smoke alarms and testing them monthly to make sure they work.

Planning your family’s escape:

• Make a map of your home

• Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room

• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped.

• Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan

• Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan

• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home

• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.