1 . Question: Recently I heard the news that about 5,000 people die in fires a year, and 80 percent of these deaths occur in house fires. Fires kill more people per year in the United States than all the other natural disasters.     1     Could you help me?

Answer: Don’t worry. In fact, most fires can be avoidable and easily prevented. Here are some tips for preventing a fire in your own home.

◆Dispose of all cigarette butts (烟头). Never leave them out where babies or children can reach them.     2     Keep ashtrays clean and safe by promptly disposing of the ash.

◆Avoid smoking in bed. In case you fall asleep on the couch while watching television, do not smoke while lying on the couch.

◆Keep all lighters safely out of reach of babies and children.

◆Do not overload electrical circuits, and check electrical appliances regularly for loose connections or damaged cords.

◆    3     These would include the kitchen, near the furnace and fireplace, and the garage. Examine the extinguishers (灭火器) yearly for pressure and expiration date (有效期).

◆Install smoke detectors. Make sure that there is a detector on every level of the house. Also, make sure that there is a smoke detector near every bedroom.     4    

◆Install a rope ladder or fire escape in selected windows upstairs. Make sure that all family members know how to use the ladder.

◆Come up with an emergency escape plan.     5    

A．However, I don’t know how to prevent house fires.

B．Have a designated meeting area outside the home.

C．Have fire extinguishers in high-risk areas of your home.

D．Keep candles where they will not be accidentally knocked over.

E．Discuss it with the family and have everyone practice using the escape routes.

F．If you smoke, get into the habit of properly disposing of your butts immediately.

G．Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.

2 . The following beach destinations range from ocean-side to lake-side locations, each one offering unique and quality experiences.

 Channel Island

You’ll have difficulty finding a more scenic and adventurous beach getaway with an abundance of sea life. Whales and dolphins visit the area every year. You can also camp on one of the islands in Channel Islands National Park. Hiking, exploring tide pools, diving, surfing-the activities are boundless.

 Gulf Islands National Seashore

Imagine cotton candy-blue water, sugar-white sand and lots of lemonade-yellow sun and the picture will look a lot like Gulf Islands National Seashore. Spend a day at Perdido Key or overnight at Fort Pickens campground. Or consider the “Coastal Curiosities” activity at historic Fort Pickens.

 Indiana Dunes National Park

The park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan. From camping to flying kites to a sunset stroll, this lakeshore will continually attract you. You will enjoy 45 miles of trails over rugged dunes (沙丘), mysterious wetlands, and peaceful forests. There are eight beach access points along the shoreline and most parking lots are open from 7 AM until 30 minutes after sunset.

1. Which destinations are ocean-side locations?

A．All the three destinations.

B．Channel Islands & Indiana Dunes National Park.

C．Channel Islands & Gulf Islands National Seashore.

D．Gulf Islands National Seashore & Indiana Dunes National Park.

2. Which destination best suits people travelling by car?

A．Channel Islands	B．Gulf Islands National Seashore
C．Perdido Key	D．Indiana Dunes National Park.

3. What activity can you enjoy in all the three destinations?

A．Surfing in the ocean	B．Going camping
C．Watching sea life	D．Hiking over dunes.