Top 5 Simple Ways to Prevent Home Fires

Accidental house fires remain a serious safety threat to homeowners, renters, and their families. Each year, roughly 3,400 people are killed in home fires or by burn injuries, making them the third-most-common cause of accidental deaths at home. Eight out of 10 fire-related deaths occur at home—the place that is the very embodiment of comfort and security.

"Unfortunately, people often think an accident is something that is inevitable," says Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. "But we know that almost every accident is preventable." In an interview with U.S. News, Appy outlined the most common ways that home fires ignite and provided a list of simple steps homeowners can take to prevent them.

Attention: In addition to the steps listed below, all households should have at least one smoke alarm on each floor and preferably in every bedroom. New smoke alarms should be installed every 10 years—and if you don't know how old your smoke alarm is, you should get a new one. Families should also plan and practice a home fire drill at least twice a year so that everyone in the house knows how to get outside fast in the case of a fire. If you don't already have one, the Home Safety Council has resources for creating such a plan available here.

Fire Threat 1: Cooking

Fire safety starts in the kitchen. Cooking—particularly stove-top cooking—represents the leading cause of home fires. Many such fires occur after residents put something on the stove but become distracted and forget about it. "They lose track of it, and then before they know it, the fire is very large," Appy says.

Solution: Stand by your pan Because cooking causes so many home fires, it's essential to give anything that's on top of your stove has your undivided attention. "I sometimes make a joke about the Tammy Wynette song ["Stand by Your Man"]: 'Stand by Your Pan,' " Appy says. "If you have to leave [the kitchen], turn the heat off [the burner] before you answer the phone or leave the room."

Fire Threat 2: Heating

The second-most-common cause of home fires is heating—although in the winter months, it becomes the leading concern. Portable, electric space heaters start a great deal of trouble, as sheets or window curtains accidentally come in contact with the unit and ignite.

Solution: Give heaters space People using space heaters should ensure that they are far enough away from other objects to avoid danger. "A space heater needs 3 feet of clear space all around it in all directions, keeping it away from draperies, furniture, bedspreads, people, and pets," Appy says. In addition, homeowners should have their central heating equipment professionally inspected and serviced each heating season. And if you regularly have logs burning in your fireplace, get your chimney inspected and cleaned annually as well.

Fire Threat 3: Smoking

In addition to its health dangers, smoking is the third-most-common cause of home fires—and the top cause of home fire deaths. Such fires can occur as smokers lose track of their still-smoldering butts, which then come in contact with flammable surfaces such as couch cushions.

Solution: Take it outside If you have a smoker in the house, the best way to prevent cigarette-related home fires is to institute a policy of no smoking indoors. "Do it outside, because that typically will remove folks from dangerous spots like upholstered furniture. Most people do not have as many combustible items around outside," Appy says. In addition, cigarettes should be doused with water before they are thrown away to make sure they are completely extinguished.

Fire Threat 4: Electrical

Faulty or deteriorating electrical cords are another top cause of home fires. Cords that become frayed or cracked can send sparks to flammable surfaces and start a fire.

Solution: Cord checkup Check all of your electrical cords to ensure that they are in good shape, and replace any that are worn out. In addition, "make sure you are not overloading circuits," Appy says. "It should be one plug per receptacle—you don't want that octopus thing going on."