More than 2500 fires on an average were reported in a US state in the year 2007. In the year 2007 alone, the American Fire Department received help calls for more than 1 million fires around the country. There were more than 3400 deaths due to fires. More than 17000 people were injured in these fires. Approximately $14,639,000,000 was lost due to fire damage in just one year.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), around 78% fires happened in places such as homes, hotels and dormitories. Around 399000 of these fires happened in homes. This was the number of fires that occurred in 2007 only.

Statistics of the US Fire Administration reveal that in 2006, around 26% of the fires occurring in residential properties, happened in the kitchen while cooking. Heating is the second most common cause of fires with 11.4% cases of fires reported due to heating systems used in residences. The third major cause is arson which is at 5.7%.

It does not matter how a fire occurred. It may be intentional. Or it may be accidental. It may have happened due to someone's carelessness and could have been prevented. Or it may not have been possible to prevent its occurrence. The truth, however, remains. Fire can lead to massive damages to life and property.

Therefore, it is important for people like us to take a few precautions to reduce the chances of fire and fire damage. A few gadgets at home can do the trick.

1. Smoke alarm - A smoke alarm is the best and most inexpensive gadget that you can have installed at your home. If properly installed and regularly maintained, it will sound a sharp alarm as soon as it senses smoke.

2. Residential sprinklers - Residential sprinklers attached to your water supply will help you in putting out flames.

3. Fire extinguisher - A fire extinguisher is an essential tool for every household. In case of a fire, it can help in reducing the fire damage to your house and property. However, you need to know that there are different types of fire extinguishers for different types of materials. You should be aware of at least 5 types of fire extinguishers.

* Class A is for combustible articles such as fabrics, papers and wood.

* Class B is for inflammable liquids such as oil and grease.

* Class C is for electrical appliances and tools.

* Class D is for flammable metals.

* Class K is for vegetable oils and fats.

The type is always mentioned on fire extinguishers. However, some multi-purpose fire extinguishers are also available and you can keep them in your house for preventing fires and fire damage.

It is also important that you and your family have a plan chalked out in case of a fire. You should not wait for a fire to occur before working out an escape plan. Use these tips to be prepared in case of an eventuality such as a fire.

1. Practice your escape plan as often as possible.

2. Practice various ways out for escape.

3. Practice escape routes from every room of the house.

4. Leave your home immediately as soon as you see the first signs of a fire.

5. Make sure you choose a place where the whole family can get together after getting out of the house. This place should be away from home.

6. Call the fire department and do not go back in. Wait till a fire marshal has declared the building structure as safe.

The best way of preventing a fire and fire damage is to be fire-safe. Make sure that you are prepared in case a fire occurs. Keep all the necessary equipments that you might need to deal with minor fires. Teach yourself and your family all the skills that you might need to face a fire and minimize fire damage. These steps are your best bet against protecting yourself from fires and fire damage.