Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps from Ready.gov that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.

• Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

• Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of 3 feet around the stove.

• Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Smoking

• Smoke outside and completely stub out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand.

• Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.

• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turned off. Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.

• Be alert—don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, put your cigarette out first.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.

• If an appliance has a 3-prong plug, use it only in a 3-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a 2-slot outlet or extension cord.

• Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least 3 feet away from portable heating devices.

• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters.

Children

• Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.

• Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.

• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

More Prevention Tips

• Never use a stove range or oven to heat your home.

• Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.

• Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.

Source: Ready.gov. For more safety tips visit: https://www.ready.gov/home-fires