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Here is what you can do to keep you and your family safe from fire at home.
Electrical fire safety
- Plug only one heat-producing appliance (like a coffee maker or toaster oven) into a wall outlet at a time.
- Never use extension cords with heating or air conditioning equipment.
- Do not use damaged or frayed electrical cords or extension cords. Turn off and unplug space heaters when you leave a room or go to bed.
See the Electrical fire safety handout from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).
General fire safety
- Make sure that items that could catch fire are not too close to heaters, stoves or fireplaces. Examples include wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash and plastics.
- Never smoke in bed or on overstuffed furniture, or leave a burning cigarette in an ashtray.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
- Teach your children about the dangers of playing with fire.
- Buy and install smoke alarms and fire extinguishers for each floor of your home.
- Have an escape plan no matter where you live. If you live in an apartment, see USFA's Apartment fire safety begins with a plan (en español: La protección del hogar contra los incendios comienza con un plan de acción).
For more general fire safety tips, see the USFA Fire safety checklist for homeowners and renters (en español: Lista para la prevención de incendios dirigida a los propietarios e inquilinos).
U.S. Fire Administration. Fire safety and prevention outreach materials and educational programs.
Reviewed in 2023