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    Office of the State Fire Commissioner

    Public Safety Information

    Pennsylvania regularly leads the nation in structure fires. More people die in home fires than in any other location.

    Make A Plan

    There's Good News.

    Home fire deaths can be prevented. Let's help Pennsylvanians be informed, then take action to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

    Top Causes of Home Fires

    Cooking

    illustration of a family cooking together


    Cooking fires are the top cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

    • Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.

    • Simmering, baking or roasting? Check food regularly, stay in the kitchen while it's cooking, and use a timer.

    • Be alert. Don't let kids or teleworking tasks distract you from monitoring your cooking.

    • Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. This includes oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, and curtains.

    • Sleepy or have had alcohol? Don't use the stove or stovetop.

    • Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.

    • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

    • Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.

    • If you try to fight the fire: Be sure others get out and you have a clear way out.

    • Smother small grease fires by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the stovetop. Keep the pan covered until it has completely cooled.

    Electrical

    illustration of two people plugging in a giant cord.


    ​There are things we can do to lessen the likelihood of an electrical fire in our homes.

    • Have a qualified electrician perform electrical work

    • Get the home inspected if buying or remodeling

    • Use only one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle at a time [heat-producing appliances are things like coffee makers, toasters, and microwaves]

    • Plug major appliances directly into the wall outlet

    • Don't run electrical cords across doorways or under outlets

    If you see any of these, call an electrician or your landlord right away:

    • Frequent problems with blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers

    • Tingling feeling when touching an appliance

    • Discolored/warm wall outlets

    • Burning/rubbery smell coming from an appliance

    • Flickering/dimming lights

    • Sparks from an outlet

    Candles

    illustration of a table with a lit candle, cup of tea, and book.


    Candles are a major cause of home fires. When burning candles, be sure to do it safely:

    • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed

    • Avoid using candles in the bedroom or where people tend to sleep

    • Keep candles at least 1 foot away from items that can burn

    • Use sturdy candle holders

    • Keep hair and loose clothing away from the flame, especially when lighting

    • Don't burn a candle all the way down; put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container

    • Never burn candles if oxygen is used in the home

    • Use flashlights and battery-powered lighting during a power outage

    Heating

    Illustration of a person's legs covered with a blanket next to a warm cup of tea and a heater.


    Keeping heating systems well maintained makes them safer to use, and can prevent house fires.

    • Regularly replace furnace filters.

    • Keep areas around your furnace free of clutter and combustible material. Never set items on top of your furnace.

    • Keep combustible materials a safe distance from vent/exhaust lines.

    • If you notice any issues with your home heating system, contact a professional immediately. Certified HVAC contractors often offer preventative care services that include cleaning that reduce fire risk but have the added benefit of reducing utility costs.

    Fireplaces have a way of collecting dirt and debris over their lifetimes. Keep your fireplace safe:

    • Clear debris.

    • Schedule annual inspections before use.

    • Gas fireplace? Have lines and connections inspected before use.

    • Fireplace screens, guards, or glass doors are helpful safety devices to keep hot ash and sparks contained inside the fireplace.

    • Spare wood, and other combustibles should be stored at least five feet away from the fireplace.

    • Do not overload a fireplace.

    • Never leave a fire unattended.

    • Burn seasoned hardwoods that have been stored in a safe and dry environment for at least six months.

    Smoking

    illustration of a person throwing away cigarettes


    One out of four fatal victims of smoking-material fires is not the smoker whose cigarette started the fire.

    • Smoke outside

    • Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other items up high and out of the reach of children

    • Use a deep, sturdy ashtray and keep it away from anything that can burn

    • Don't toss cigarettes into mulch, potted plants, landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, or leaves

    • Make sure butts and ashes are fully out before thrown away; the best way to do this is to douse them in water or sand

    • Never smoke where medical oxygen is used

    Battery failures on e-cigarettes have led to small explosions.

    • Never leave charging e-cigarettes unattended

    • Use e-cigarettes with caution

    Be Even More Prepared