Your House: Ten Steps To Fire Safety

The National Fire Protection Association reports that in 1996, 74 percent of all structural fires occurred in residential properties. In that same year, the number of deaths from those fires increased by percent.

While you may not be able to eliminate the possibility of fire entirely, here are ten simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire in your home and provide for a safe exit in the event of one.

1. Smoke Detectors

   Your best protection against loss by fire is the common smoke detector. Install one on every level of your home, and especially outside bedrooms. Test them weekly, and be sure to change the batteries once a year.

2. Plan Escape Routes

   If a fire breaks out in your home, you'll need to get out fast. Plan an emergency escape route with your family, so that everyone is familiar with at least two unobstructed exits - windows or doors - from every room. Do not include elevators. Decide on a place to gather after leaving the home. Practice the plan with your family twice a year.

3. Stop, Drop, and Roll

   Do your remember those old Dick Van Dyke commercials? If you catch on fire, shout for help, drop down, and roll in order to smother the flames. Fire feeds on oxygen, so running only fans the flames.

4. Fall and Crawl

   Smoke and heat rise, so stay low while escaping. Use the back of your hand to make sure a door that you are about to open is not hot. If it is hot, try to find another way out.

5. Give Space Heaters Space

   Space heaters produce temperatures that can ignite ordinary home furnishings. Keep at least three feet between the heater and objects that can burn. Never leave heaters on while you are sleeping, and check regularly for frayed wires and overheating.

6. Electrical Safety

   All electrical cords should be checked for fraying and overheating. If an appliance has an unusual smell or smokes, unplug it immediately and have it serviced before using it again. Don't overload extension cords or electrical sockets, and don't tamper with your fuse box.

7. Lighters and Matches

   Teach your children that matches and lighters are not toys, and should be used only under adult supervision. Be sure to use child-resistant lighters, and keep matches out of the reach of children.

8. Know the Numbers

   Put stickers and magnets with emergency numbers on your refrigerator and on every telephone in the house. On occasion, practice the numbers to make sure they are well known.

9. Cooking

   Never leave cooking unattended. Keep cooking areas clear of combstibles, and wear clothes with short or rolled up sleeves while you cook. Turn pot handles inward, so they cannot be accidentally bumped. If a grease fire occurs, put a lid over the pan to smother the flames, and turn the stove off. Allow the lid to cool before removing.

10. Watch Smokers

    Never smoke in bed or when drowsy. Give smokers large ashtrays. Wet butts before discarding them into the garbage. If you allow smoking at a party, designate a smoking area to avoid accidents.