According to a report by the Home Safety Council, fire and burns are the third leading cause of injury or death in the home. Fires can also cause plenty of damage to property and possessions, costing homeowners and insurance companies a great deal of money every year. Fire can be a devastating experience for any homeowner, but the good news is that there are many steps that you can take to prevent fires from occurring in your home. By following a few simple tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of a stray spark from igniting what could be a disaster for your home and family. Read on for the best safety measures you can take to keep your home and your family safe and sound.

In the Kitchen

There are many ways to prevent fires in your home, starting with the kitchen. First, never leave food unattended on the stove, and keep your kids away from a hot stove and oven for their own protection. Keep all flammable items like dishcloths, kitchen towels, plastic bags and curtains at least three feet away from your stove top. It is a good idea to unplug all electrical appliances when they are not in use, to avoid problems when you are not home. You can also keep a certified fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure that everyone in the family knows how to use it.

In the Rest of the Home

Matches and lighters are a huge temptation for kids, so keep yours under lock and key whenever they are not in use. Schedule an appointment with a certified inspector or maintenance person to have your furnace, fireplace and chimney checked regularly. Electric space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from curtains, bedspreads or other flammable items. It is also a good idea to keep nightlights and other electrical appliances that can generate heat away from these items. Use extreme caution whenever you burn candles to ensure flammable items are kept away from the flame and always blow them out when you leave the room.

Outdoors

There are many fire hazards outside your home as well, and a few simple safety tips can go far in keeping your house safe from flames. Grills and barbecues should be kept a safe distance from your home, and they should never be left unattended when they are cooking. If you store gasoline, always keep it out of the home and in a container that is certified for gasoline storage. If you smoke, always do so outdoors, using a deep ashtray on a flat surface and dousing all butts before putting them in the garbage. Never smoke when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Fire can be a devastating experience for any family, but there are many steps that you can take to prevent fire and keep your home safe. These tips will be the first defense against a fire that can destroy your property and harm the people you love.