Taking Precautions Can Prevent Fires

A watched pot may never boil, but it will ensure that it also doesn't burn your home down.

Unattended cooking is the top cause of house fires, Lakeland Fire Department spokeswoman Hope Warren said.

But for fatal fires, things like cigarettes, cigars and pipes top the list.

So what can you do?

Keep matches and lighters away from children, and dispose of cigarette butts and ashes properly.

Avoid smoking while drinking alcohol or taking medications that make you drowsy.

Make sure each floor of the home has a working smoke alarm. Test the alarms once a month to make sure the batteries are good.

"Batteries should be replaced every year while smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years," Warren said.

Keep yards free of trash, including fallen leaves and dead branches. Gutters should be kept clean. Plants and trees should not be placed too close to the house.

Take caution with heating equipment, which can ignite things like table cloths, clothing, rugs, upholstered furniture, mattresses and bedding.

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn and remember to turn them off before leaving a room.

Inspect chimneys and fireplaces annually.

While you might already follow these steps, fires can still happen.

"That's why it is a good idea to have a fire escape plan that everyone in your family can follow and practice at least twice a year," Warren said.

The plan should identify two ways out of every room in the home and set up a meeting place where all household members will gather outside of the home.

Ensure windows that can be used as an exit open easily.

Controlled burns can quickly grow out of control if not monitored properly.

The Division of Forestry oversees controlled burns, and the department must be contacted before any controlled burns are done. The local number is 863-648-3160.