Every 60 seconds, a house burns. Every 24 hours , 10 people die in residential fires.

Use this guide as a checklist and give it careful consideration. Then take sensible , preventive measures to help stop a fire before it has a chance to get started.

Consult your local fire Dept. Many local fire departments have inspection programs. Check with your fire department for advise about placing smoke alarms , purchasing fire extinguishers and devising emergency escape plans.

Clean house: Do not let old papers and trash gather in closets , attic , basements , garage or under the basement stairs. If they would ignite, flames could spread rapidly. Take out rubbish regularly.

Use flammables outside: Do not use gasoline , kerosene or other flammable liquids indoors . Keep flammables stored in approved containers out of house.

Do not let rags collect: Keep oily , greasy or paint smeared rags in closed metal containers until disposed of properly. Do not keep them in the house. Guard against spontaneous combustion.

Use flashlights instead of flames : Instruct every member of the family never to use matches or candles to light the way in the attic , closets , basement or any other dark place in the house.  Check emergency flashlights once a month to ensure that they are properly working.

Have family fire exit drills: Plan in advance what escape routed you will use and designate a meeting place. Have an alternate route planned in case flames block your way . Make sure you instruct your baby sitters on what to do in case of fire. 

Install smoke detectors: In each occupied floor - including the basement - and within 15 feet of each sleeping room , which is the law in some states. Check detectors once a month , change the battery in battery powered smoke detectors once a year or as needed.  When changing batteries, check to see if the detector itself has passed its expiration date.

Keep fire ladders handy: near windows of upstairs bedrooms . remember , fire escape ladders save lives.

Do not hide extension cords: Extension cords should be in good condition and out in the open rather than under rugs , over hooks or through door or window openings and partitions.

Safeguard your chimney and fireplace: Use a rain - cap with a metal screen to catch sparks from the chimney . Chimneys should be checked before the heating season for possible obstructions , deterioration , and/or creosote build up . Also , be sure to use a fire screen.

Keep important numbers visible: Post your fire department and local emergency telephone numbers near all phones.

Keep matches, lighters, and all flammables out of the reach of children.

Do not overload circuits or sockets : Make sure every room has enough electrical outlets to avoid the need for multiple attachments plugs. Never use more than one high wattage appliance on a circuit at a time . Use surge protection outlet bars on sensitive electronic equipment.

Do not smoke in bed: when lying down or when you are likely to fall asleep in a chair. Careless smoking is the cause of more than half of home fires. After entertaining , check all upholstered furniture and garbage containers before going to bed.

Use listed appliances: Make sure your electrical appliances bear the seal of the Underwriter's Laboratories (UL). Turn off the current when you are through using them .

Cook with care: Keep an eye on the stove while broiling or frying . Never put water on a grease fire ; it spreads the flame. Never carry a burning pan because you could easily spread the fire throughout your home . Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher or cover the fire with the pan lid. Do not wear frilly , long sleeved clothing while cooking and keep handles turned toward the center of the stove to prevent accidental over turning.

Keep proper fuses handy:  Do not replace blown fuses with pennies , wire or anything other than a new fuse. A 15 AMP fuse is correct for most lighting circuits . Do not overload circuits . Consider contacting a qualified electrician to inspect your electrical system if it is more than 20 years old.

Examine electrical cords:  Do not let electrical cords for items such as appliances or lamps get wet. Keep kinks out and use a heavy duty cord.

Learn how to use fire extinguishers: Equip your home with 2 1/2 pound all purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers good for Type A , B or C fires . Mount extinguishers properly and show everyone in the house how to use them. Make sure a fire extinguisher is available in the kitchen .

Inspect furnaces and heating appliances annually: Do not overlook the heating system , wood burning stoves or your chimney . Have them inspected and cleaned yearly . Improperly installed or maintained equipment can cause fires.

Ventilate electronic equipment : Make sure there is ample air circulation around TV sets , VCRs , stereos and radios , especially if they are grouped near one another.

We assume no liability in connection with either the information contained in the above nor the loss control suggestions made. Moreover , we would caution that it cannot be assumed that every acceptable losses control procedure is contained in the above . Obviously , abnormal or unusual circumstances may require further or additional procedures.