We frequently see news stories of house fires, and it's easy to think, "That won't happen to my house." I&M's Safety and Health coordinator for our Michigan districts Doug deBest, knows a house fire can happen to anyone because he sees it as a firefighter.

deBest is marking year 14 with I&M and year 29 working in fire service in the local area.

"I started working at the D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant in 2010 as a member of the fire brigade before I transitioned to Safety and Health coordinator. I started in 1995 as a volunteer firefighter at the Casco Township Fire Department," deBest said. "I've worked in fire departments near Grand Rapids, even at the University of Notre Dame and now I'm the training officer for the St. Joseph Township Fire Department - Station #1."

The two roles deBest performs for his community are remarkably similar as he helps people by keeping them safe.

"At the fire department, you help people on their worst day and at their worst moment," deBest said. "At I&M, our role in Safety and Health, is to prevent that worst day and the worst moment from happening through education and prevention."

deBest explains how preventing and preparing for a fire starts with smoke alarms.

"We should all have working smoke alarms in each bedroom or sleeping area and one on every floor," deBest said. "Check the smoke alarms twice a year to verify they are working and change the batteries. If you don't have a smoke alarm, your local fire department may have a program to help."

More tips for fire prevention are:

• Have an escape plan ready. Practice with family members and guests to ensure everyone is prepared in case of a fire.
• Check your cords. Ensure multiple extension cords are never strung together or run under rugs, carpets or furniture. Make sure those used outdoors are labeled “for outdoor use.”
• Use caution with space heaters and candles. Never leave a space heater or candle unattended. Do not let children or pets play too close to a space heater.
• Buy a good fire extinguisher for your home. Make sure your family knows how to use it and that it is designed for small fires only.

deBest says he enjoys working at I&M and volunteering his time to keep his community safe.

"Most of us watch TV shows and movies and assume there are always people in a fire house, but more than 65% of U.S. firefighters are volunteers," deBest said. "Most local volunteer fire and rescue departments need more people to help. There are many roles available with your local department, please consider joining."