Fire Safety Tips: Preventing home fires Published March 12, 2020 By U.S. Fire Administration/Fire & Emergency Services 341st Civil Engineer Squadron MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- There's no place like home; don't let it go up in smoke. Here are some important tips to prevent fires in a home.In the KitchenCooking is the number one cause of home fires. Take these steps to prevent a cooking fire:• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, broiling or boiling food.• Upon leaving the kitchen, turn off burners or any heart-producing products.• Keep things that can burn or are flammable away from cooking areas.• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they don't get bumped.Safe Home HeatingHeating is the second leading cause of home fires. A heating fire can be prevented with the following steps:• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, portable heaters and radiators.• Upon leaving a room or heading to bed, turn heaters off or unplug them.• Have the furnace, chimney and chimney connector inspected by a professional each winter. Make repairs before cold weather hits.Electrical SenseFollow these safety tips to prevent an electrical fire:• Plug only one heat-producing appliance into the electrical outlet. Never use an extension cord. Examples of heat-producing appliances are: microwave, coffee maker and portable heaters.• Plug portable heaters directly into the outlet - don't use an extension cord. Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off switch that turns off if it tips over.• Extension cords are for temporary use only.• If the electrical cord is frayed or broken, don't use it.Home ProtectionFire prevention is important, but also ensure the home and all residents are protected.• Put working smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside and outside sleeping areas.• Test alarms each month.• Create and practice home fire escape plans at least twice a year.