House fires can be extremely dangerous. They can be hard to put out, spread quickly, and the black smoke can be the most dangerous part of the fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, in 2023 there were 344,600 fires in the United States, and resulted in 2,890 deaths, 10,400 injuries, and $11,266,200,000 in loss. It is important to teach your friends and family about fire safety, as it could save their lives.
We have detailed several ways for you to prevent fires in your homes and communities.
Appliances and Electronics
- Only plug one heat-producing appliance directly into a wall outlet at a time.
- Never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance.
- Have an electrician install additional wall outlets where you need them.
- Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture
- Major appliances, like refrigerator, stove, washer, or dryer, should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. No extension cords
- Prevent clothes dryer fires by emptying lint filters every use, and the duct work once a year.
Basement and Garage
- Make sure you have smoke detectors installed in the basement, and your carbon monoxide detectors can detect in the basement.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from the furnace, water heater, and other heat generating equipment.
- Do not store trash in your basement
- Keep stairs clear for safe exit
- Store anything like oil, gasoline, paint, or propane in a shed away from your garage.
- If you have appliances plugged-in inside your garage, make sure they are away from flammable shelves.
Kitchen
- Do not leave anything flammable, like fabrics, cardboard boxes, or wooden utensils, near the oven and stove.
- Clean your cooking equipment after using it, including the oven, stove, toaster, microwave, etc.
- Don’t leave anything cooking unattended.
- Double check that burners or stove are turned off once you have finished cooking.
Holiday Lighting
- During the cold seasons and holidays, many more homes start to light candles. Once you are done with a candle, make sure you blow it out. Do not leave candles unattended. Keep the candles at least 12 inches away from flammable items.
- Do not overload outlets or extension cords when putting lights around your house.
- Keep your Christmas Tree away from flammable items or heat sources, like fireplaces, heaters, candles, or heat vents.
- If you have a real Christmas Tree, keep it watered, and remove it once it becomes dry.
House fires can be very dangerous. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, a small fire can take over a room in 3-5 minutes. You can visit the U.S. Fire Administration for more information on how to protect your house and home from house fires.
Living in Utah, fires can be very dangerous during the summer months, especially during dry years with little waterfall. Keeping your house protected from fires, might also protect your town from being overtaken by an out of control fire.
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