PHOTOS: 7-Year-Old Abby Beranek Honored for House Fire Heroics

Just one month after helping her family to safety during a dryer fire in their Lemont home, 7-year-old Abby Beranek is being honored as a "local hero."

The first-grader, who attends , attended the Lemont Fire Protection District's monthly board meeting Thursday night to be recognized by village and fire officials for her brave acts last month.

On April 21, Beranek visited Station 1 with her Daisy Girl Scout troop to learn fire safety and prevention tips. The presentation was led by Jeff Hawthorne, director of fire safety for the .

Just two days later, a fire broke out in the laundry room of the Beraneks' home.

"My husband, Jim, smelled something burning, but we didn't know where it was coming from," said Beth Beranek, Abby's mother. "We went to throw something in the garbage and noticed that the dryer was actually on fire."

While Beth ran to gather her youngest three children, Abby remained calm. Using lessons from her field trip two days earlier, she made sure her family got out of the house immediately and and that no one else tried to enter.

"During the fire house visit, Abby learned to 'get out and stay out,' and that's exactly what she did," Beth Beranek said. "We also had discussed where we would meet in the event of a fire, so she knew to go to the neighbors, and was able to help me get my 18-month-old boys and 3-month-old girl over there, too."

On Thursday, Abby Beranek was officially recognized as a "local hero" by the Lemont Fire Protection District. Mayor Brian Reaves was also on hand to read a proclamation in her honor.

Lemont Trustee Paul Chialdikas sent a $25 gift certificate for Abby to dine at his restaurant, .

Hawthorne also read remarks prepared by U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (IL-13), who recognized Abby's efforts on congressional record:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a local hero from my home district. At just 7 years old, Abby Beranek of Lemont, Ill., demonstrated great courage when a fire broke out in her home, utilizing the fire safety skills she learned as a Girl Scout to keep her family safe.

"When she realized that her home was on fire, (she) remained calm and immediately remembered the lessons she learned when her troop had visited the local Lemont fire station.

"Because of Abby's courage and quick thinking, she was able to help her mom and keep her 18-month-old brothers and 3-month-old sister safe.

"I also want to commend the Lemont Fire Protection District, especially Jeff Hawthorne and Chief Carl Churulo, for offering life-saving, educational safety courses for our children. Their hard work and willingness to reach out to the community has clearly made a difference and saved lives.

"My. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing a local hero — Abby Beranek of Lemont, Ill. — who has made her community and her family very proud."

After the presentations, Abby and her family were able to tour the fire station. As she stopped to pose for photos and thank fire officials, Abby said she wants everyone to remember one important safety tip.

"Get out and stay out!" she said.