Install Smoke Detectors
Government studies show that two-thirds of fire-related deaths occur in homes without smoke detectors. And, in those deaths, fire isn't usually the cause; smoke is.
Without smoke detectors, a fire's toxic gases can kill sleeping victims before they ever have a chance to wake up. Smoke detectors should be installed at ceiling level in every bedroom, as well as outside every sleeping area and on every level of the house.
Remember, smoke detectors don't work if the batteries are dead. Use daylight saving time changes to remind you to change the batteries.
Practice Your Escape
Every room in your house should have two escape routes. Teach your family to never open doors that are hot to the touch, and show each member open or break windows in case of an emergency.
Establish a safe spot for everyone to meet if there is a fire. It should be close to the house, but not so close that it can be in danger of catching fire, too. And once you're out, never go back in to a burning building.
Cook Carefully
Cooking fires are the top cause of residential fires. Keep pot handles turned inward and avoid wearing long, loose sleeves when cooking. Keep children away from the stove, and keep a close eye on your stove top. Unattended food on a hot stove is the biggest fire culprit in the kitchen.
Just in case, keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Remember not to put water on grease fires; instead, remove the pan from the heat source and cover it with a towel to smolder the fire.
Check Heating and Cooling Appliances
The second leading cause of house fires is faulty heating and cooling appliances. These should be checked annually to make sure heating elements are free of dust and obstruction, and to ensure they are operating properly.
Never purchase a portable heater that has not been certified by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. Space heaters should be turned off when you are sleeping or not at home. They are designed to provide auxiliary heat and should not be a primary heating source.
Check Out Plugs
Improperly used or faulty electrical appliances and cords are the third most common cause of residential fires, so check your electrical cords and plugs regularly.
Stiff or frayed cords should not be used. Most light bulb receptacles are labeled with maximum safe wattage allowable, so don't use bulbs with higher wattage than this maximum. Also monitor extension cords or outlet add-ons, as those without built-in safety triggers cause hundreds of fires each year.
Watch Your Ashes
Smoking is consistently a top cause of house fires in the United States. Never smoke when you are laying down or are sleepy, and always use an ash tray when smoking indoors.
Dispose of fireplace ashes in metal buckets away from anything flammable, and never leave candles unattended or placed near fabric or flammable materials of any kind.
Play It Safe
Fire is a serious matter. If you have questions about fire safety in your house, contact your local fire department. Smoke detectors are frequently available through your fire department or other agencies if you can't afford them.
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