Working smoke detectors should be located in every home. As a minimum, there should be one smoke detector on every level of the home.

Installing smoke detectors inside every bedroom gives additional time for escape.

Follow the manufacturers guidelines for installation, testing and maintenance.

Cooking Safety
Cooking causes the most home fires each year in the United States. To avoid cooking fires, follow these tips:

• Never leave cooking unattended. Turn off the burner if you must leave the cooking area.
• Make sure oven mitts and the pot lid are near the cooking area.
• Put a lid on grease fires. If a fire occurs on the stove, put a hand in the mitt and slide the lid over the pot. Never use water on a grease fire.
• If a fire starts in your oven, keep the door closed and turn off the heat.
• Turn pot handles in toward the stove and cook on back burners.

Smoking Safety
Smoking is the number one cause of fatal home fires. Smokers should follow these rules:

• Never smoke when you are sleepy or in bed.
• Always use large, deep ashtrays when smoking.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages while smoking. This combination, especially when combined with medications, can be dangerous.
• Never smoke around flammable liquids, gases or grease.
• Check chairs and sofas for sparks and embers after smokers get up.

Heating Safety
Senior citizens should follow certain precautions when using heating equipment, such as:

• Heating systems should be inspected by a licensed professional every year.
• Fire place screens should be used whenever there is a fire in the fireplace. The screen keeps sparks from flying out.
• Chimneys and flues should be inspected and cleaned regularly.
• Space heaters, fire places, and the furnace should be kept three feet away from any combustible materials.

Electrical Safety
Follow these guidelines to reduce your chances of having an electrical fire: