While deaths from home fires in the U.S. have steadily gone down since 1980, even one death from a preventable fire is too many. Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe.
Cooking
Be alert and stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food. Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove top.
Heating
Keep all flammable items at least three feet from a space heater, stove, or fireplace. Never leave portable heaters unattended and be sure fireplace embers are extinguished before leaving the room.
Other common causes of fire
Smoking, electrical problems, and candles are common hazards. Institute a “no smoking” policy in the house, check cords for damage or wear, and switch to flameless candles.
Working smoke alarms are a must
About three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or nonworking smoke alarms. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside of sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries annually—same for your carbon monoxide detector. Replace alarms that are 10 or more years old.
Make an escape plan
Visit the National Fire Protection Association to learn how to make a fire escape plan for your family.
Source: National Safety Council