5 Things You Should Know Today - Oct. 13, 2011

We just got word about what promises to be one of the most interesting candidate forums of this election season. Details about it and other local happenings are on our list today:

1. The weather

Rain, rain and more rain lies ahead, according to the National Weather Service. There's a 40 percent chance today and a 70 percent chance tonight. Temps range from a high of 68 to a low of 54.

2. Farmington Student Roundtable candidate forum

Students will be asking the questions in this forum for Board candidates on Monday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Just imagine the questions. More information is on our site this morning.

3. Fire prevention tips

According to the , this year's Fire Prevention Week focuses on the most common causes of house fires: cooking, heating and electrical equipment, candles and smoking materials. Here are some of their tips:

• Stay in the kitchen while you're frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave, turn off the stove.
• Keep items that can catch fire at least three feet away from any heat source.
• Keep a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
• Repair or replace loose or damaged electrical cords.
• If you smoke, smoke outside.

4. Fire prevention bonus tip

Because of tighter budgets and the need to avoid overtime, the Farmington Hills Fire Dept. will hold its open house Friday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., rather than on the weekend. Stop by if you can and enjoy demos, dress up like a firefighter, climb all over a fire truck and get lots of information about keeping your family safe.

5. Letters to the editor

Everybody's asking – and the answer is yes, we do accept letters to the editor. You can email them to joni.hubred-golden@patch.com. Endorse a candidate, express an opinion about the public safety millage or sound off on any issue you want.