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Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies

How You Can Prevent Your Home From Dangerous Fire Hazards

Protect your home from dangerous fire hazards. Learn what to avoid and which tools can help you prevent home fires.
Date Posted: August 3, 2021

Ways to Prevent Home Fires

How to Avoid Cooking Fires

The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Always turn off any appliances before leaving your kitchen. 

Never leave your stove or oven unattended
No flammable objects near your stovetop
Clean food messes to avoid grease fires
Grill a safe distance from your home

How to Avoid Electrical Fires

Most electrical fires result from faulty outlets and overloaded cords. Do not attempt to fix electrical issues without a professional. 

Routinely check electrical systems
Have a professional do an inspection
Replace any worn or damaged cords
Keep electrical cords from wet surfaces

Use Candles Safely 

Candles are an easy way to add light and comfort to any room, but can be dangerous if left unattended or in the wrong place.  

Use candles with a sturdy holder
Keep candles in an open area
Never leave candles burning unattended
Don't use around pets or children

Fire Safety Tools 

Both smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are powerful tools to prevent widespread fire loss. You should install a smoke alarm on each floor and in every bedroom of your home. When operating a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS

Pull the pin
Aim low
Squeeze the lever
Sweep side-to-side

If you doubt you can gain control of a fire, immediately get out of the area and call 911. Only rescue others if you can do so safely or wait for professional help to arrive. Do not enter the area until the fire department says it is safe to re-enter. 

How to use a fire extinguisher PASS labeled instruction vector illustration. Safety manual demonstration visualization with all process steps explanation. Emergency flames equipment usage infographic.
Protect your home from dangerous fire hazards. Learn what to avoid and which tools can help you prevent home fires.

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