Children age 5 and under are twice as likely to die in fires as older children and adults.

Statistics show that for children ages 1-4, fires and burns are the leading cause of unintentional injury. Many young children die in fires because they instinctively try to hide from smoke and flames in a closet or under a bed, mistakenly thinking they are safe from fire there.

There is a way to protect young children through a twofold process of ensuring there is a working smoke detector in every home and by encouraging parents to conduct an exit drill in the home with their families.

That is the goal of Operation EDITH, a public service campaign of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC). Operation EDITH, which stands for Exit Drill in the Home, has been around for many years as a way to educate parents that practicing a home exit drill and having a working smoke detector can save lives.

The chances of dying in a home fire are cut in half when there is a working smoke detector and are reduced even further if every member of the household knows what to do when it sounds. Smoke detectors can give parents up to three minutes to save themselves and their children from the effects of smoke and the devastation of a home fire.

During Fire Safety Week, Oct. 12-16, First Pioneer Insurance Agency will distribute parent brochures, posters, coloring books and stickers to area schools and day-care centers. Teachers will spend time with these children talking about smoke detectors and exit drills. At 6 p.m. next Wednesday, North Carolina families are encouraged to plan and practice a home exit drill and test their smoke detectors.

First Pioneer Insurance Agency is sponsoring a coloring contest for students participating in Operation EDITH this year. Moore County students in pre-kindergarten through third grade are encouraged to participate in the coloring contest.

A winner from each grade level will be selected to receive a $10 gift card for Cold Stone Creamery.

Anyone needing more information about Operation EDITH can call First Pioneer Insurance Agency at (910) 944-2848 or stop by its office at 409 Johnson St. in Aberdeen.