by Joseph Devine

While most Americans think they have their house covered against burning, and think they are too careful to allow their home to catch fire, the most careless mistake can determine keeping your home and family safe from fire. There are small things that most people would not think about that can very easily spiral out of control.
In the winter, a lot of families choose to use supplemental heating equipment to save on electricity costs. These small heaters cause about twenty two percent of all fires. If your family uses an additional space heater, please consider the following things; make sure that you clear at least three feet around the heater, do not leave the heater on while you are sleeping, only use the heater on the floor, do not keep the heater on high power constantly, and do not at any time leave the heater unattended.
Cooking equipment accounts for about one hundred thousand fires in the United States. While most people exercise a great deal of caution in their kitchens, here are some things to keep in mind while cooking. Keep the storage area around the stove free of any combustible or flammable items, only wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking. Also remember to keep all dish towels or pot holders off the surface of the stove and to keep the stove off when no one is in the kitchen. Keep cookies, treats and other goodies away from the stove, in order to prevent little ones from climbing on a hot burner to help him or herself. Stay with the stove constantly when cooking anything above a "keep warm" setting.
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