House fires are responsible for 80 percent of all deaths which happen in the home in the United States. As a matter of fact, in 2003 there were almost 4000 home fire related deaths. This is simply too many deaths to ignore. Especially when the steps you can take to prevent house fires are so easy to enact. By simply using smoke detectors and keeping fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout your home, you can dramatically decrease your chance of fire. Keep an escape route memorized, and always be careful with trouble spots such as fireplaces, furnaces, space heaters, clothes dryers, and kitchens.

Believe it or not, most people die from smoke inhalation instead of actual burns. Even so, it is still a result of fire. Make sure you install a smoke detector on each floor, and especially in every bedroom. Test each detector once every month. Replace the batteries in your detectors once every year or as soon as they begin making a chirping sound. If you happen to have your detectors wired into your electrical system, be sure that the red light is blinking. Keep your detectors dust free. There are even smoke detectors available for the deaf. For your fire extinguishers, keep them placed in areas such as the garage, shed, and kitchen. Make sure the fire extinguishers you purchase are capable of putting out all fires. Make sure you know how to use your extinguishers before the need arises. If there is a larger fire, don’t bother trying to put it out. Evacuate the structure immediately and call the fire department.

If there is a fire, it is possible that you and the other members of your household may panic; therefore, it is a good idea that you have an escape route already planned, and all members of your household have studied it and are prepared to use it if necessary. In order to do this, prepare a map of your home. Try to map out at least two ways of exiting each room. If you sleep with your door open it could keep out smoke and heat, giving you more time to asses the situation. Purchase escape ladders for second story rooms. These aren’t as expensive as you may think and could save your life. Agree to a meeting place that the family can go to in case of fire. Make sure you all stay together and that nobody enters the building for any reason. Make sure there are no obstacles in your home that could deter your progress if you have to escape in a hurry.

Finally, be safe when it comes to fireplaces, furnaces, heaters, and other electrical hazards. Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks form flying, and always strike a match before turning on the gas when using a gas fireplace. Make sure that you never leave your heaters unattended and keep all objects at least 3 feet away from them. Never overload a wall socket with too many appliances. Also, never leave your home when you’re dryer is running.