On average in the United States in 2005, someone died in a fire about every 2 hours (143 minutes), and someone was injured every 29 minutes. Four out of five U.S. fire deaths in 2005 occurred in homes (Karter 2006).

Don't let yourself become a victim of a fire. Here are 10 ways to prevent a fire:

• Fit smoke alarms, test monthly and change batteries annually.
  
  
• Chip-pan fires are the most frequent type of fire - take care and never leave the stove unattended.
  
  
• Always use a proper candleholder, and keep candles away from draughts, or anything flammable.
  
  
• Keep portable heaters away from furniture, furnishings and flammable items, and switch them off every time you leave the house.
  
  
• Buy a fixed fire guard to place around an open fire.
  
  
• Don't use a hot or sparking power tool, and don't leave a soldering iron, or any DIY equipment on and unattended.
  
  
• At night, before you go to bed, unplug all electrical items not in use.
  
  
• Always use correctly rated fuses in all electrical appliances.
  
  
• Avoid using multi-way plug socket adapters, if possible.
  
  
• Never run electrical cables/leads under carpets

 www.safetyforless.com

Sources:

Karter MJ. Fire loss in the United States during 2005, Abridged report. Quincy (MA): National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division; 2006.

http://www.hastingslegal.co.uk/Resources/10Ways.html