PHOTOS: ABC7 launches 5th annual Operation 7: Save a Life

Firefighters say they cannot stress enough the importance of having smoke detectors in homes, because every year they see people lose their lives and loved ones to fires that don't need to happen.

Operation 7: Save a Life serves as a good reminder to be prepared.

For more information on California's law, CO safety and how to protect your family, visit http://www.casafehomes.org/.

To check out Prepare NorCal's guidelines for stocking your emergency kit and developing a plan for you and your family, click here.