House fires can be deadly as well as costly, so it is important to be aware of their danger and do everything you can to prevent them.
Cooking
Use extreme caution when cooking, because the potential for starting a fire is great when you have heat along with grease, oil or flammable materials. Do not cook wearing loose fitting sleeves that may get too near a burner. Do not place towels or potholders near or on a cooking range. Do not put curtains on a window if it is close to any cooking surface. Follow the manufacturer’s directions about leaving air space around the microwave, and keep the vents clear. Clean up spills after cooking to prevent a fire the next time you use the stove. If there is a fire in your oven or microwave, close the door, turn the heat off and unplug the microwave. If there has been a fire in your microwave, do not use it again until you have it serviced. If there is a fire involving grease or oil, never pour water on it, because that would make it spread. Smother the flames with a lid or baking soda if possible. Turn the burner off, keep the lid on the pan and do not move it. It will be too hot to carry, and when you drop it, your minor fire will quickly become a major house fire.
Heating equipment
Buy only heaters that will shut off automatically if there is a problem. Always keep space heaters three feet from anything flammable, and turn them off when you are out of the room. Space heaters use a lot of electrical current, so do not plug them into extension cords, because the cord could melt and cause a fire. Always light your match before turning the gas on when you light a gas heater. If you turn the gas on first, it may build up enough fumes to cause an explosion when you light the match. Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding ventilation for gas heaters, and do not use a gas heater in a bedroom or bathroom unless you vent it to the outside. Do not attempt to heat your room with a gas range. Inspect and clean chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves and coal stoves every year. For safety reasons, a trained professional should perform this inspection.
Smoking
The best way to prevent a fire caused by smoking is to enforce a “no smoking” rule in your home. Family or guests who smoke can indulge in that habit outside. Not only will your home be safe from fires caused by smokers, but it will be cleaner and smell better too. If the best way is not possible, made sure that nobody smokes in bed, and before retiring for the night, check chairs and sofas where people have been smoking, and look for still burning cigarettes in waste cans and ash trays.
Candles
Always place lighted candles on something nonflammable, and never get careless and leave them burning when you leave a room or go to bed.
Matches
Never leave matches or lighters where children can reach them. The combination of children and matches can be deadly.
Switches, outlets, extension cords, wiring, circuit breakers and other electrical equipment
Worn or frayed extension cords can be dangerous. Never put them where you may step on them, and avoid using them if possible. If you do use them, make sure they are heavy-duty cords. If some of your items of electrical equipment have loose or worn cords, repair them before they have a chance to start a fire. Have an electrician check your wiring, circuit breakers and any switches or outlets that feel warm, and do not overload sockets. If the lights dim when an appliance comes on, you may have too many items plugged into one socket. Keep televisions and stereos from overheating by allowing enough air space around them.
Even if you have taken all the precautions of which you are aware, your home could still become involved in a fire because of something that you could not prevent. It is important to discuss safety measures with your family to reduce the risk of injury or death if lightning strikes your home or it is in the path of a forest fire.