- 1). Avoid leaving candles unattended. According to the United States Fire Administration, candles start an average of 15,600 fires per year, causing more than $539 million in damage annually. If you are planning to leave the house, blow out any candles that may be lit. In addition, avoid placing candles near draperies or anything flammable.
- 2). Monitor space heaters. According to the Office of Compliance Safety and Health, space heaters caused 2,800 house fires in 1999. Always turn off heaters before you go to bed, and check that they are at least 3 to 4 feet away from anything flammable. If you are using kerosene heaters, practice even more caution, especially if you have small children in the house.
- 3). Put out all cigarettes or cigars properly. A cigarette or cigar left to burn unattended is a very big fire risk. These items should be placed in a jar of water to further reduce the risk of fire, and lighters and matches must never be placed in the reach of children.
- 4). Install a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. According to the National Fire Protection Association, kitchen fires are the No. 1 cause of house fires. Never leave cooking food unattended, and if a fire does break out, quickly put it out using your extinguisher.
- 5). Install and properly maintain smoke detectors. A smoke detector should be placed in every room or -- at the very least -- in the kitchen, living areas and hallways. The batteries should be changed twice a year. Use Daylight Saving Time days as your two days a year to switch these batteries out since it's an easy way to remember this important task.
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