At least seven fires have destroyed homes and businesses throughout the Rio Grande Valley over the past two weeks.

Families were left suddenly homeless just days before Christmas in some cases.

READ ALSO: 'There’s absolutely nothing': Edinburg family loses everything in house fire  

As the year wraps up, fire officials want to remind everyone to come up with a plan if you don't already have one. 

Authorities advise the following safety prevention tips: 

• • Make sure you have an escape route, especially if you have a two-story house
• • Make sure you have an outdoor meeting spot
• • Replace batteries in smoke detectors twice a year 
• • Have smoke detectors in every bedroom
• • If you see smoke, get out of the house immediately and call 911
• • Be careful with fireworks in residential areas

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