Did you know residential fires are a primary cause of property damage and injury in the United States today?

According to the National Fire Prevention Association or NFPA, 78% of all fire related deaths occur in residential homes. Below are some fire safety awareness tips that will help keep your family and home safe.

Most residential fires occur in the kitchen. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are cooking to reduce your risk of fire:

• Never Leave Cooking Food Unattended
• Always Watch Food While Frying
• Avoid Placing Flammable Items Too Close To The Stove
• Don’t Cook While Drinking Alcohol
• Keep A Fire Extinguisher On Hand At All Times
• Never Pour Water On A Grease Fire
• Always Watch Children Around Cooking Food

Smoking is another common source of accidental fires at home. If you smoke always keep these tips in mind:

• Never Smoke Indoors
• Don’t Smoke While Drinking Alcohol
• Avoid Smoking While Taking Medication That Causes Drowsiness
• Don’t Smoke If You Have Oxygen Tanks Inside Your Home

If you have a fireplace, you must inspect it before using it every winter. This will ensure no hidden dangers exist. Always check for:

• Birds Nests In The Chimney
• Build-Up Of Black Creosote Inside Your Chimney
• Warped Metal Around The Damper

Most appliances we use everyday need electricity to work. This increases the risk of fire. To reduce your fire risk remember the following tips:

• Don’t Overload Your Electrical Circuits
• Avoid Using Extension Cords For Long Periods Of Time
• Be Sure Your Electrical Cords Are Not Frayed
• Call An Electrician To Check Abnormal Electrical Activity
• Never Leave Christmas Lights On Overnight

Inspecting your home every few months is key to reducing the likelihood of residential fires. Most home fires are preventable and it is well worth the extra effort it takes to inspect your home for potential hazards. Check all the smoke detectors in your home for batteries that need to be replaced and to ensure they all work.