How fireproof is your home? The Ironton Fire Department wants to help residents answer that question.

In an effort to take a proactive approach to fighting house fires — by trying to stop them before they ever start — the IFD is offering free home evaluations that can at least be a starting point to ensure homeowners are thinking about safety.

These are completely voluntary and differ from formal inspections because property owners are under no obligation to make changes.

Lawrence County ranks first in the state for fire-related fatalities this year and among the highest over the past decade. These are distinctions for which our region certainly should not be proud.

This home evaluation program focuses on common issues that frequently cause house fires including improper use of portable heaters, extension cords, appliances and storage of flammable items like gasoline and kerosene. Firefighters will also make sure working smoke detectors are installed in the home.

The inspections will be offered from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Appointments can be made by calling the fire department at (740) 532-1301.

Plans are in the works for the volunteer departments to make this a county-wide initiative.

That would be an important step and just as vital as urging citizens to take advantage of this program.

A few minutes now could, truly, be the difference between life and death.