BASEMENT, GARAGE, STORAGE AREAS

	Piles of stored newspapers or other rubbish.
	Newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.
	Oily, greasy rags. If these must be stored, they should be kept in labeled, sealed, metal containers.
	Flammable liquids (varnish, paint remover, paint thinner, contact adhesives, cleaning fluids) stored near open flame or pilot lights and in anything other than labeled, sealed metal containers. Dispose of outdated or empty cans properly.
	Overloaded outlets or extension cords.
	Fuses of the wrong size.

	Too small or too full ashtrays. Ashtrays should be large, deep, and emptied frequently, but only when all signs of heat and burning are gone.
	Matches and lighters within reach of young children.
	Worn or frayed extension cords or other electrical cords run under rugs and carpets or looped over nails or other sharp objects that could cause them to fray.
	Insufficient air space around TV, computer and stereo equipment that could cause them to overheat and start a fire.
	Additionally, laptop computers left "on" on beds or couches. Doing so can not only damage the computer but prevent it from ventilating, both now and in the future, causing it to overheat.
	Curtains, furniture, papers near a space heater.
	Overloaded outlets or extension cords.

SAFE

	Remove all materials on or near your stove that could catch on fire, including paper, dishcloths, etc.
	Put a box of baking soda and a large pot lid next to your stove. Get a kitchen fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
	Remove electrical cords from under rugs, those nailed to walls and behind radiators.
	Replace damaged cords on electrical appliances.
	Remove "octopuses" from electrical outlets.
	Discard old and unneeded flammable liquids such as cleaning fluids and paint thinners.
	Move flammable liquids stored near stoves or other heat source to a safe, distant location.
	Clear area around portable space heaters of drapes, furniture, and other burnable materials.
	Empty ashtrays of paper, place ashes into the toilet.
	Test your smoke detector regularly and replace batteries at least twice year when you change your clock for Daylight Savings.

UNSAFE

	Cooking while wearing clothes with loose, floppy sleeves or full, billowing tops or skirts that may catch fire
	Reaching over a range or climbing onto a range to get something stored above it
	Attempting to extinguish a grease fire with anything but baking soda or a lid
	Cooking without long hair tied back
	Using gasoline to start a fire in the grill or adding lighter fluid to an already-lit fire
	Smoking in bed, in a chair or on the sofa when tired, drinking, or under medication.
	Smoking while using a cleaning fluid, a paint thinner or another flammable liquid
	Using a cigarette lighter after spilling fluid on the hands or clothing
	Leaning against a range for warmth or standing too near a heater or fireplace
	Peering into a closet with a lighted match, lighter or candle
	Sticking paper or wood into a space heater, especially children
	Playing with matches or lighters. Small children do this frequently and so do some adults.
	Spraying aerosols (perfume, hair spray) while smoking or near a space heater, range or other ignition source