Make your New Year’s resolution for safety. Do you know the top causes of home fires in Seattle? In frequency of occurrence they are: cooking, electrical, smoking, heating and candles. Here is one simple resolution for each that will help your family stay safe throughout the year.

Cooking:
Never leave food unattended while cooking. Many people lose more than their meal when they forget they are cooking.
Electrical:
Now is a good time to check all electrical appliances and cords for damage, and replace any that show wear.
Smoking:
If you smoke, doing it outside is safest. And make sure to use fire-safe cigarettes (required in Washington State since 2009).
Heating:
Try to keep anything that can burn at least one foot away from heaters. Clothes, blankets, newspapers and furniture can start a fire if they are too close to a heater.
Candles:
Make certain that you always blow out candles when you leave a room or go to sleep.

For more on preventing household fires, visit our website at http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/homesafety/homeFireSafety.htm