How Do You Keep Your Home Safe from Fire?

Fires are fast and destructive but often preventable.

Every year, thousands of homes in the United States are damaged or destroyed by fire, resulting in tragic injuries, deaths, and the loss of irreplaceable property. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 346,800 home structure fires annually, causing 2,620 civilian deaths and 11,070 injuries.

Despite these alarming statistics, many homeowners aren’t fully aware of the steps they can take to reduce the risk of fire or what legal rights they may have if a fire occurs due to someone else’s negligence or a defective product.

At Morgan & Morgan, we care about your safety and your rights. Below we explore how to keep your home safe from fire, how to prepare for emergencies, and what to do if a fire wasn’t your fault.

Common Causes of House Fires

Understanding what typically causes fires is the first step toward prevention. The top culprits include:

Cooking Accidents

The #1 cause of home fires. Unattended cooking leads the pack. Grease can catch fire quickly and spiral out of control.

Heating Equipment

Space heaters and furnaces can ignite nearby items, especially if they’re outdated or improperly maintained.

Electrical Issues

Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or defective appliances are major fire risks. Extension cords are especially hazardous when used long-term.

Smoking

Cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking materials are often responsible for fires, especially when combined with alcohol or sleepiness.

Candles

Left unattended, candles can quickly ignite curtains, paper, or upholstery.

Children Playing With Fire

Matches, lighters, and fireworks in the hands of children can be deadly if not properly supervised.

Defective Products

Appliances or electronics with faulty wiring or batteries, like lithium-ion powered devices, can spontaneously combust.

How to Prevent a Fire at Home

Preventing a fire in your home starts with awareness and proactive habits:

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

One of the most important steps you can take is installing and maintaining smoke alarms. These devices should be placed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. You should test them once a month, replace the batteries at least once a year, and install new alarms every 10 years to ensure they remain reliable.

 

Be Smart in the Kitchen

In the kitchen, never leave cooking unattended. Most house fires begin when someone walks away from a hot stove, especially while frying food. Always keep flammable materials like dish towels, paper towels, and pot holders away from the stovetop. If a grease fire breaks out, don’t attempt to put it out with water, as this can cause the flames to spread rapidly. Instead, cover the pan with a lid or use baking soda to smother the fire. Having a Class B fire extinguisher easily accessible in the kitchen can also make a critical difference in an emergency.

 

Use Space Heaters Safely

Space heaters can also pose a significant risk if not used properly. To reduce the chance of a fire, maintain a clear space of at least three feet around the heater, especially from curtains, blankets, and furniture. Never leave a space heater running when you’re asleep or not at home, and always plug it directly into a wall outlet instead of using an extension cord, which can overheat and ignite.

 

Practice Electrical Safety

Electrical safety is another key component of fire prevention. Avoid overloading outlets or power strips with too many devices. Replace damaged or frayed cords immediately and never run them under rugs or furniture. If you notice flickering lights, a burning smell, or frequently tripped circuit breakers, have a licensed electrician inspect your system. It’s also wise to avoid plugging high-wattage appliances like space heaters or microwaves into the same circuit.

 

Blow Out Candles

Candle use should always be handled with care. If you enjoy burning candles, make sure to extinguish them before leaving the room or going to sleep. Place them far away from curtains, books, or decorations that could easily catch fire. Alternatively, flameless LED candles offer a much safer option for ambiance without the fire risk.

 

Properly Dispose of Smoking Materials

If you smoke, take precautions to avoid accidental fires. Smoke outdoors whenever possible, and always use deep, sturdy ashtrays. Make sure cigarette butts are completely extinguished by dousing them in water before disposal. Smoking in bed or when you’re drowsy significantly increases the risk of falling asleep with a lit cigarette, which remains a leading cause of fire-related deaths.

 

Store Flammable Items Correctly

Be mindful of how and where you store flammable materials. Items like gasoline, paint, cleaning agents, and aerosol cans should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated space away from heat sources. Never store propane tanks indoors or near ignition sources such as water heaters or stoves.

 

Equipment Checklist: Fire Safety Tools Every Home Should Have

These easily storable and affordable tools can save lives when disaster strikes. Keep the following stocked in your home:

• Fire Extinguishers: Have at least one on every floor, especially in the kitchen and garage, and know how to use them: P.A.S.S. (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Dual alarms that detect both smoke and CO are ideal. Interconnected systems (wired or wireless) are even better.
• Fire Blankets: Great for smothering small fires or wrapping around a person to escape flames.
• Escape Ladders: If you live in a two-story home, keep collapsible fire ladders in upstairs bedrooms.
• Emergency Lighting: Keep flashlights with fresh batteries near beds and exits. Consider installing backup lights or battery-powered emergency bulbs.
   

You may be wondering, “Am I required to have essential fire safety equipment in my home?”

Some cities and other local governments require that smoke detectors be placed inside every bedroom, as well as outside of sleeping areas on every floor. If your home does not have these, you could be putting your family at risk. 

Outside of sleeping areas, it is recommended that smoke detectors be installed near a stairway, in the basement, and near cooking appliances.

Whether a fire extinguisher is legally required in your home will be determined by your local or state code. You should make sure to have one regardless of the law, but if your landlord has not provided a fire extinguisher, you should look up your local ordinances to find out if they are required to provide one and have it placed in an easily accessible area.

Create a Fire Escape Plan

If a fire breaks out, seconds matter. Having a plan can save lives.

Have a Family Plan and Make Sure Everyone Knows It

Identify two exits from every room, and agree on a meeting spot outside the home (e.g., a mailbox or neighbor’s porch). Practice the plan with your family twice a year.

 

Teach Children Fire Safety

Explain the sound of a smoke alarm, and teach kids “Stop, Drop, and Roll” if they or their clothes ever catch fire.

 

Account for Pets and Seniors

Pets and seniors can be one of the most underprepared for issues with natural disasters and fires. Assign someone to assist children, seniors, or anyone with limited mobility. Practice evacuations with pets using leashes or carriers.

 

What If the Fire Wasn’t Your Fault?

Sometimes, you can do everything right and still fall victim to a fire. When the cause of the fire is outside your control, legal action may be necessary.

Common Examples of Fire-Related Negligence

• Defective Products: Appliances, e-bikes, batteries, or electronics that malfunction and cause fires.
• Negligent Landlords: Failure to install or maintain smoke detectors, faulty wiring, or fire code violations.
• Neighbor's Negligence: Unattended grills, fireworks, or outdoor fires that spread.
• Utility Company Faults: Electrical fires caused by downed power lines or transformer explosions.
  
   

Can You File a Lawsuit After a Fire?

Yes. If the fire was caused by another party’s negligence or a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation. Potential claims include:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of income
• Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed in the fire)
  
   

Fire Claims and Insurance Issues

Filing a claim after a fire should be simple, but it often isn’t. Insurance companies may:

• Undervalue your property
• Deny your claim without proper explanation
• Delay payments
• Fail to fully cover temporary housing or replacement costs

If your insurer acts unfairly, this may be grounds for a bad faith claim. All too often, we’ve seen homeowners suffer twice—once from the fire, and again from the insurer’s refusal to pay.

At Morgan & Morgan, we fight to ensure you get every dollar you’re owed.

Morgan & Morgan Stands by Fire Victims

Keeping your home safe from fire involves preparation, awareness, and vigilance. While some fires are true accidents, many are preventable and others are the result of negligence.

If you’ve been affected by a house fire and believe someone else is at fault, don’t try to navigate the legal process alone. Morgan & Morgan is here to stand by your side and fight for what you deserve.

We understand the trauma, stress, and loss that a home fire can cause. If your fire was caused by a defective product, a landlord’s negligence, or another party’s carelessness, our legal team can help.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries, property loss, or other damages due to a house fire, contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.