Fire Prevention Tips 

1. Home Fire Safety

• Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
• Fire Extinguishers: Have a portable fire extinguisher accessible and ensure everyone knows how to use it.
• Regular Inspections: Check electrical appliances and wiring frequently for damage.

2. Fire Escape Planning

• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and a meeting spot outside.
• Ensure all pathways to exits are clear and doors and windows can open easily.

3. Cooking Safety

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Keep flammable items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, and towels away from the cooking area.

4. Electrical Safety

• Do not overload power outlets.
• Regularly inspect electrical cords and replace any that are damaged.

5. Heating Safety

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

6. Holiday and Seasonal Fire Safety

• Use caution with holiday decorations, particularly Christmas trees and lights.
• Ensure candles are blown out before leaving the room or going to bed.

7. Outdoor Grilling

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home or any structures.
• Never leave the grill unattended when in use.

Here are some key fire prevention statistics from the NFPA:

1. Home Structure Fires: The majority of home fires are started by cooking activities, with stovetops being the leading area of origin for these fires. Unattended cooking is the most common cause of these fires.

2. Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms play a critical role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half. However, in fires where the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, the batteries had often been removed or the alarm was disconnected due to nuisance alarms.

3. Electrical Fires: Electrical failures or malfunctions are significant contributors to home fires. Wiring and related electrical equipment issues are among the leading causes of these fires.

4. Seasonal Fires: During the winter holidays, decorations are the item first ignited in an average of 790 home structure fires per year, leading to a higher risk during this period. Christmas trees, although not as common, pose a high risk when ignited.

5. Cooking Fires: Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Ranges or cooktops account for the majority of home cooking fire incidents. These fires predominantly start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

These statistics underline the importance of fire safety practices such as monitoring cooking equipment, ensuring electrical systems are in good condition, and having functioning smoke alarms. For more detailed statistics and tips on fire prevention, you can visit the NFPA's website here.