You can overload your circuits and cause a fire if you plug too many electronics into a single outlet using a power strip. An electrician can add circuits if you need more at home.

10 common fire hazards to take care of now

• Extension cords. If you use one to permanently stretch the cord of a lamp or appliance to a plug, you’re using it wrong. Extension cords are designed for temporary use. Extended use can wear them out and cause them to overheat. And if you’re hiding a plugged-in cord under a rug, it’s getting trampled on and damaged. If it overheats, it can catch your rug on fire.
• Unattended cooking. A pan fire can start in a flash and spread even faster. Remove all items from the cook top that you’re not keeping a close eye on—even if the oven is on and the burners are not. The oven can make the stovetop hot enough to burn something on top of it. {sidebar id=105}
• Faulty appliances. If you see a frayed cord or a cracked plug, replace the appliance. If the device sparks or buzzes, replace it.
• Candles. Light them only when an awake adult will be in the room, and blow them out when you leave the room. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. Better: Buy electric or battery-powered candles and skip the open flame.
• Mattresses and furniture. When you buy them, inspect the label for proof that they meet the federal safety standard for fire resistance.
• Smoking. It’s the No. 1 cause of home fire deaths. Send smokers outside, and supply them with large, deep ashtrays. Check furniture and bedding for smoldering cigarettes if somebody smokes indoors. Douse cigarette and cigar butts before throwing them in the trash. If you smoke, buy fire-safe cigarettes, which are made from slow-burning paper that snuff themselves out when unattended.
• Children playing with matches. Teach your children that fire kills. Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet out of your child’s reach.
• Overloaded electrical circuits. Plug only one cord into each electrical outlet. Power strips that allow you to plug half a dozen appliances into a single outlet can overload and overheat your circuits. If you need more circuits, call an electrician to solve your problem.
• Lint build-up in the clothes dryer. Clean your lint trap every time you dry a load of clothes. Vacuum out the inside of the dryer vent periodically, and call a professional once a year to inspect and clean the entire vent. Run your dryer only when you’ll be home and awake.
• Using a charcoal grill indoors for heat. Even if your home doesn’t have central heat, leave your barbecue grill on the patio. Not only can sparks from the coals start a house fire, they emit deadly carbon monoxide, which can poison your family.

The most expensive smoke alarm won’t protect your family during a fire if it’s installed too low on the wall or if its batteries are dead. Test yours often, and replace the batteries at least once a year. Photo by Christine Kublanski.