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Ways of Preventing Fires

According to the Home Safety Council, the third highest cause of home injury is being burned in or by a fire. The U.S. Fire Administration has found that over 600,000 outdoor fires occur annually in the United States, causing nearly 50 deaths, over 800 injuries, and more than $150 million in losses and damages. Simple steps to prevent indoor and outdoor fires can decrease these numbers.

  1. Kitchen Fire Prevention

    • Kitchen fires can be prevented by adhering to just a few simple dos and don'ts. When cooking, be sure to keep any items that could catch fire such as dish towels, paper towels, plastic bags and curtains away from the stove top. Rolling up loose sleeves will prevent clothing from catching fire while cooking. The Home Safety Council suggests staying in the kitchen when cooking. This can avoid forgetting and unintentionally burning what is on the stove.

    Fire Prevention in Other Rooms of the Home

    • If a space heater is being used within the home, it should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire. Furnaces and wood stoves should be checked, serviced and cleaned if needed, prior to the first use of the season. If there is a smoker in the home, the cigarettes should be doused with water before they are discarded in the trash. Smokers should also use deep ash trays that are on a stable surface such as a table.

    Other Fire Hazards

    • Candles can be a fire hazard if they are not properly used. They should not be lit with small children around them, and they should be in sturdy holders that cannot catch fire. Children run the risk of knocking candles over or burning themselves. Candles should always be blown out before an adult leaves the room. Matches and lighters should be stored out of the reach of children.

    Outdoor Fire Prevention

    • When using fire outdoors such as campfires, be sure that the fire is not being built in a dry area. Fire pits are suggested, but if there is not one available, be sure that the fire is at least 15 feet away from anything flammable. If the fire is not a campfire, but a fire for burning debris, be sure to check with the authorities about the local debris burning regulations.

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