When it comes to fire safety in the home, properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are the best early-warning systems.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFRA), 60 per cent of fire deaths at home occur in structures with no working smoke alarms or no smoke alarms altogether.

Fire safety tips to protect your home

In Calgary, a recent string of house fires has people thinking about fire safety in the home.

Carol Henke, public information officer with the Calgary Fire Department, says kitchen fires are the most common residential call for the fire department, "and often it's because people leave their cooking unattended."

Carbon monoxide safety measures for homeowners

Recent, heart-wrenching news stories about deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning, including a young boy in Airdrie, have people thinking about CO safety in their homes.

"Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-irritating gas that is poisonous," said Carol Henke, public information officer with the Calgary Fire Department.

Rooftop Plaza located at Fire Station 1

The City of Calgary officially reopened the Rooftop Plaza on Fire Station 1, located at 450 First St. S.E., providing a rejuvenated green space for Calgarians who live and work in the downtown core, and for visitors to the city.

The Rooftop Plaza renovation was undertaken to make much needed repairs to the Fire Station 1 roof and to breathe new life into the Plaza that had fallen into disrepair.

There's a new fire station in town. Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Calgary Fire Department Chief Bruce Burrell and Associate Minister of Public Safety Rick Fraser were just a few of the names on hand for the opening of the Seton Emergency Response Station March 26.

"This fire hall in this neighbourhood is a terrific example of our commitment as a city council and as a community to make sure that every Calgarian has a safe community and how we need to plan for the future," Nenshi said to the gathered crowd of more than 100 residents.

As winter comes upon us the ever growing concern of house fires is apparent in many homes.

The 2011-2012 Alberta Fire Commissioner's Statistical Report said cooking, arson/set fire and smoking are the top three causes of home fires leading to death or injury.

The report said for Alberta, "The highest number of fire deaths per month in 2011 and 2012 occurred in December (6) and October (4) respectively."

To commemorate Fire Prevention Week, the Calgary Fire Department is recommending citizens develop a home escape plan.

While the Calgary Fire Department encourages developing a home safety plan at any time of the year, Fire Prevention Week provides an opportunity to practice that escape plan, refresh a current plan or to create a new one to ensure everyone gets out safe and sound.