Faulty electrical wirings are probably the most common reasons for fires at home. Check your electrical wirings frequently, especially if you live in an old house. When electrical wirings, outlets, fuses and other components get old, they cannot handle high voltages. Change them and get them checked regularly to prevent fires and fire damage.

If you use extension cords for electrical appliances that are plugged continuously or for long hours, you sure are inviting fire damage. Stop using extension cords for heavy appliances such as freezers and televisions. Do not plug too many appliances on a single outlet. If possible use a circuit breaker. This will prevent you from putting excess load on the electrical system.

Flammable items such as kerosene tend to catch fire very quickly if kept near a source of heat. Separate your flammable items from other items at home. Keep these items away from a source of heat such as a gas stove. Also make sure that they are kept away from clothes and papers to prevent fire damage.

Clothes, paper tissues, napkins, and table clothes can catch fire very easily. Never keep them near a source of fire.

If you are hanging curtains near heat sources, remove them now. Curtains and clothes tend to catch fire very soon and should be kept away especially from fireplaces.

Never wear flammable clothes or fabrics near fire. If possible avoid buying anything for your house that is flammable. In case of a fire these fabrics catch fire very soon and can be responsible for spreading it and you may suffer fire damage.

Do not throw your cigarette butts around the house. Use an ashtray or any holder for this purpose. Never throw a lighted cigarette or cigar into a garbage bin which contains materials that catch fire easily. Likewise, never throw a lighted cigarette on a lawn or a garden. Dry grass and leaves may catch fire and cause fire damage on your garden. Finally, do not sleep with a lighted cigarette in your hand. It may fall onto your carpet or furniture and cause a fire.

Make sure to adjust your gas stoves and microwaves to the appropriate level of heat. This is to prevent possibility of overheating. Never leave any food on the stove or in the microwave unattended.

Children are a very curious lot. If they find anything such as matches, lighters and gasoline within their reach, they are sure to try, explore and use it. Keep them at a level where children cannot access them.

Most small fires can be prevented at home. Always keep a fire extinguisher for this purpose. Make sure that you and your family members know how to use it. Fire extinguishers can help prevent a small fire become a bigger fire.

Statistics show most fires are caused at home and that most of these fires can be prevented if householders took these preventive measures. So make sure that you look around your house today itself and take all the essential steps that can keep your family safe from fires and fire damages.