According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the first thing in a home that can alert families to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Whether you're awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke,” says Fire Chief Larry Few of the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department. “As firefighters, we continually remind residents to check their smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.”

The NFPA offers the following tips to help residents safeguard their homes from home fires:

Where do I put smoke alarms in my home?

ATLANTA -- Every year there are millions of dollars spent on Halloween, from costumes, snacks and candy to decorations.

Hopefully after reading this, you will be able to save a ton on Halloween decor for your yard and home.

Get ready to play in the dirt again! Fulton County Cooperative Extension will hold a “Fall Planting: Trees & Shrubs” class on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 6 p.m. Residents are invited to to learn the fundamentals planting and caring for trees and shrubs, as well as proper use of fertilizer.

This free class is offered to all Fulton County residents wanting to beautify their yards and neighborhoods. Interested residents can also learn the best time to install trees and shrubs, proper planting techniques, the best time to prune and about disease and insect pest control.

The will take place at Fulton Camp Truitt, 4300 Herschel Road in College, Park, GA 30337. Contact Grantly Ricketts at 404-762-4077 or email him at grickett@uga.edu to register. Class size is limited so please call to reserve your space.