Room-By-Room Fire Prevention Guide

• Don't store paper towels, dish towels or other flammable items near the stove.
• Maintain a kid-free safety zone three feet around the stove when you're cooking.
• Don't leave cooking food unattended on the stovetop or under the broiler.
• Keep the oven and stovetop free of grease build-up.
• Turn pot handles toward the center of the stove.
• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach.

• Keep all flammable items at least three feet from the fireplace.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually.
• Use a fireproof screen in front of your fireplace.
• Replace halogen torchiere lamps with incandescent or fluorescent lights.
• Keep lamps and candles away from drapes and fabrics.
• Replace frayed or damaged electrical cords.

• Don't drape scarves or clothing over lamps.
• Never set heavy objects on top of electric blankets that are in use.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from bedding, furniture and other flammable items.
• Don't run extension cords under rugs.
• Be sure electrical cords are not pinched by doors, cabinets or under furniture.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Don't use space heaters while sleeping.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Be sure secondary exits such as windows are not blocked by furniture.

• Don't overload outlets with too many appliances.
• Keep curling irons, hair dryers and other hot appliances away from flammable materials.

• Clean your dryer's lint filter before each use.
• Shut off the dryer whenever you leave your house.
• Keep clothing and other flammable materials at least one foot from the dryer, if possible.
• Unplug the iron when it's not in use.

• Have your furnace cleaned and inspected annually.
• Don't store paint, old newspapers, or other flammables near the furnace or hot water heater.

• Position your grill away from siding, wooden railings and overhanging branches.
• Never add lighter fluid after the coals have been lit.
• Allow coals to cool completely in the grill before you dispose of them.
• Store the lawnmower and gas can away from heat sources.
• Keep oily rags in airtight metal containers.

Originally published in conjunction with the December 2008 issue of Parents magazine.