Prevent a fire from starting in your home. The most common causes of residential fires are cooking and heating equipment. When cooking, never leave food on a stove or in an oven unattended, and avoid wearing clothes with long, loose-fitting sleeves.
Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths and the second most common cause of residential fires.
If you are a smoker, do not smoke in bed, never leave burning cigarettes unattended, do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can, and keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains. Keep matches and lighters away from children's reach, safely store flammable substances used around the home, and never leave burning candles unattended. Install smoke alarms outside each separate sleeping area and on every floor of your home, including the basement. CDC suggests smoke alarms with lithium-powered batteries and hush buttons. A lithium-powered battery can last up to 10 years, and a hush button allows you to quickly stop nuisance alarms that are caused by steam, oven smoke, etc.