Home fires can start anywhere, from the kitchen to the den to even the bathroom; anywhere you use heat, electricity, or flame.  There were an estimated 412,500 home fires in the United States in 2006 alone.  Vigilance, proper respect for flammable objects and potential fire hazards, as well as clear-cut plans for the event of a fire in your home, will help prevent true disaster from occurring and possibly save lives. 

Home Fire Prevention Tip #1:  Be a careful cook.  Never leave the stovetop unattended.   Keep flammable items such as rags, aprons, and paper towels at least five feet away from the stove.  Roll up your sleeves to prevent loose clothing from catching fire.  Wear oven mitts when handling hot items.  Keep outdoor grills at least five feet away from the house. 

Home Fire Prevention Tip #2:  Don’t play with matches.  Matches are tempting to curious children, no matter how often they are warned not to touch them.  Statistics show that over 20,000 children accidentally start home fires each year.  Prevent temptation by locking all matches and lighters out of reach of little hands.

Home Fire Prevention Tip #3:  Inspect all heating devices.   Each autumn, hire a professional to come to your home and inspect the furnace, as well as all chimneys, fireplaces, and flues.  Keep them clean and free of obstructions, as these are common fire hazards that are easily overlooked. 

Home Fire Prevention Tip #4:  Respect candles.  Candles are hugely popular for their pleasant fragrance and romantic glow.  But they are a dangerous open flame that can start fires in an instant.  Never leave a burning candle unattended.  Place candles on sturdy, flat surfaces, away from flammable objects like curtains or blankets. 

Home Fire Prevention Tip #5:  Teach fire safety.  Instruct your children in common fire safety.  Practice fire drills.  Have a fire escape plan with your family.  Discuss a meeting spot (the mailbox, a neighbor’s home, etc.) so you can gather and count heads quickly.

Home Fire Prevention Tip #6:  Install smoke alarms throughout your home.  Install a smoke alarm in the kitchen, den, hallway, and every bedroom.  Check the batteries monthly. 

Home Fire Prevention Tip #7:  Use electricity wisely.  Do not overload electrical outlets, circuits, or extension cords.  Keep cords out of high traffic areas.  Immediately unplug any appliance that sparks or begins to smell.  On average, electrical problems account for 67,800 structural fires in the United States each year.

Home Fire Prevention Tip #8:  Be skilled in putting out small fires.  In the event of a small fire, putting it out swiftly and thoroughly is more practical than calling 911 and waiting for the fire brigade.   So learn how to put out common small fires, such as putting out a grease fire in a frying pan by slapping a lid over it.  Always keep a fire extinguisher in the house and learn which fires are best put out by a fire extinguisher and which require other techniques, such a smothering.   

The statistics about home fires in the United Sates are alarming.  But death rates and injuries have dropped steadily over the past five years, suggesting that proper fire safety helps save lives.  And who knows how many more fires are being prevented by taking the steps above.