Children are in a high-risk group for deaths in house fires. Children commonly play with lighters, matches, and other ignitable items in bedrooms, closets, and under beds. These are considered “secret” places where there are a lot of things that catch fire easily.

• Children of all ages set over 100,000 fires annually. Children playing with fire set over 30% of fires that kill children.
• Every year over 800 children nine years and younger die in home fires.
• Be sure to keep matches and lighters locked up and out of reach from children. Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches; evidence your child may be playing with matches.
• Teach your child that fire is a tool, not a toy.

Bedrooms are the most common room in the home where electrical fires start. Electrical fires are a special concern during the winter months that call for more indoor activities and increases lighting, heating, and appliance use.

• Do not trap electric cords against walls where heat can build up.
• Take extra care when using portable heaters. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains, and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters.
• Only use lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. Check to make sure all the cords to the blankets are not frayed.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Replace mattresses made before the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. Mattresses made since then are required by law to be safer

Finally, having working smoke alarms dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Place at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home and in halls outside bedrooms. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.