Nobody ever wants to think that a house fire could happen to them, but unfortunately they happen every day. While it may not be possible to completely prevent a house fire, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of a house fire and increase the safety of your home.

Declutter

The clutter in your home can lead to a house fire and make it hard for your family to get to safety in the event of a fire. Get rid of anything you are not using or do not need. This included towels, bedding and old magazines, and books. These things can all make a house fire worse and are quick to catch fire.

Check Your Home’s Wiring

You should check the wiring in your home often, at least once a year. If you do not know how to check it yourself, hire a professional to do it for you. Anything electrical should be checked, including outlets, appliances, and furnaces. If anything seems wrong, have the wiring replaced or repaired immediately.

Avoid Using Extension Cords

It can be hard to remove all the extension cords from your home, but you should not use them for long periods of time. You should also never plug too many electronic devices into one extension cord or one outlet. Extension cords have been known to start house fires and can be dangerous if not used properly.

Clean Out Your Vents

If your vents are clogged or filled, a fire could easily break out in your home. Check your dryer vents, heating vents, oven vents and, of course, your chimney vent if you have a fireplace in your home. You should check or clean out your vents at least once a month. Never put any furniture or anything else over a vent to block it.

Use Candles Carefully

Candles are popular, but they can also be dangerous. Candles can get knocked over easily, or things can fall onto them and catch on fire. Never leave a candle burning in your home unattended and make sure they are in a safe area before you light them. A house fire can come out of nowhere, but most of them are preventable. If you want to make your home as safe as possible and do you best to prevent a house fire, you need to take the necessary precautions.