10 Tips to Reduce the Risk of Fire in Your Home

Fire is one of the most common and devastating hazards in the home. It can cause injuries, deaths, and property damage. To protect yourself and your family from fire, you should follow these 10 practical tips:

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly. Smoke alarms can alert you to a fire before it spreads and give you time to escape.
2. Keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible location and learn how to use it. A fire extinguisher can help you put out small fires or contain them until the fire department arrives.
3. Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from the stove. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, so always stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Keep anything that can catch fire, such as towels, paper, or curtains, away from the heat source.
4. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords. Too many appliances plugged into one outlet or cord can cause overheating and sparks. Use surge protectors and power strips with caution and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
5. Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of reach of children and pets. Children may be curious about fire and try to play with it, while pets may knock over candles or other sources of flame. Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet or drawer and never leave candles burning unattended.
6. Dispose of cigarettes and ashes properly. Smoking is another leading cause of home fires, especially when cigarettes are not fully extinguished or thrown into trash cans with combustible materials. Use deep ashtrays and wet the ashes before throwing them away.
7. Maintain your heating equipment and chimneys. Heating equipment, such as furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters, can cause fires if they are not cleaned and inspected regularly. Have a professional service your heating system at least once a year and keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from it.
8. Keep flammable liquids and gases away from heat sources and ignition sources. Flammable liquids and gases, such as gasoline, propane, paint thinner, and aerosol cans, can explode or ignite if they are exposed to heat or sparks. Store them in a cool, well-ventilated area away from appliances, electrical outlets, and open flames.
9. Plan and practice an escape route with your family. In case of a fire, you should know how to get out of your home quickly and safely. Identify two ways out of every room and designate a meeting place outside. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year with your family.
10. Call 911 as soon as you detect a fire or smoke in your home. Do not try to fight a fire that is beyond your control or that blocks your exit. Get out of the house as fast as you can and stay outside until the fire department arrives.